suffocate –v. to die because you cannot breathe

“scorched earth policy” –n. the policy in warfare of removing or destroying everything that might be useful to the other side

horrendous –adj. very bad or unpleasant, horrible

brutality –n. cruel, harsh unusually violent treatment of another person

prevalence –n. common or widespread

carte blanche – phrase. permission to do something any way you want

pillage –n. to take things from one place by force during war

distress –n. unhappiness or pain