What does 'massacre' refer to?

The term 'massacre' refers specifically to the cruel and indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings. This definition highlights the severity and brutality associated with the act, as it generally involves a violent and often unexpected attack that targets individuals regardless of their identity or situation. The emphasis on both cruelty and the random nature of the killings distinguishes a massacre from other forms of violence, indicating that it is not only significant in scale but also in its inhumane execution. It often carries historical and emotional weight, especially in contexts related to war, genocide, or large-scale violence against civilians.