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égorger

to slit the throat of

verb eh-gor-ZHEH Rare
People & Society Crime

Also means

to slaughter

Usage Note

Égorger is a strong, graphic verb meaning to kill by cutting the throat, used for both animal slaughter and violent acts against people. It derives from gorge (throat). In a milder figurative sense, égorger can mean to fleece or rip off someone financially, though this is informal.

Examples

"Le boucher égorge le mouton."

Natural Translation

The butcher slaughters the sheep.

Literal Translation

The butcher slits the throat of the sheep.

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