molech: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “molech” mean?
An ancient Semitic deity to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered, particularly associated with the Ammonites.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient Semitic deity to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered, particularly associated with the Ammonites.
The word is used almost exclusively as a proper noun referring to the specific Canaanite god mentioned in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. In modern metaphorical usage, it can represent a destructive or demanding ideology or force that requires extreme sacrifice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling; the term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of ancient idolatry, brutality, and extreme sacrifice in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Appears almost exclusively in theological, historical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “molech” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun as Subject/Reference Point]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, religious studies, and comparative theology texts discussing ancient Near Eastern religions.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in biblical scholarship and ancient history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molech”
- Misspelling as 'Moloch' (the more common variant) when the text specifies 'Molech'. Using it as a common noun without capitalisation.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /mɒˈlɛtʃ/ or /ˈmɒlɪtʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same deity. 'Moloch' is the more common transliteration in English, while 'Molech' is a specific variant found in some biblical translations (e.g., the King James Version).
Almost never. It is a proper noun (name of a specific god). Its rare metaphorical uses ('a modern Molech') still treat it as a name, not a countable common noun.
Extremely rarely. You might encounter it in literary or political commentary as a powerful metaphor for a destructive system that 'sacrifices' people, but this is not everyday usage.
The difference lies in the first vowel, reflecting the general pronunciation tendencies: British English uses the /əʊ/ diphthong (as in 'go'), while American English uses the /oʊ/ diphthong.
An ancient Semitic deity to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered, particularly associated with the Ammonites.
Molech is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Molech: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a modern-day Molech (for a destructive system)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MOLE-CH. A mole digs deep holes; 'ch' sounds like a guttural cry. A deity associated with dark, deep pits of sacrifice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DESTRUCTIVE IDEOLOGY IS MOLECH (e.g., 'The war machine became a modern Molech, devouring the nation's youth.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'Molech' most appropriately be used?