homicide

[ hom-uh-sahyd, hoh-muh- ]

noun

1. the killing of one human being by another.
2. a person who kills another; murderer.

homicide

/ ˈhɒmɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of a human being by another person
2. a person who kills another

homicide

1. The killing of one person by another, whether intended (murder) or not ( manslaughter ). Not all homicide is unlawful; killing in self-defense, for example, is not a crime.

Other Words From

• self-homi·cide noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of homicide¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin homicīdium “a killing,” homicīda “killer,” equivalent to homi- (combining form of homō “man”) + -cīdium, -cīda, noun suffix; -cide

Word History and Origins

Origin of homicide¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin homo man + caedere to slay

Example Sentences

Coltart then instructed another law firm to pursue a legal case against Smyth who was eventually charged with culpable homicide over Guide’s death, as well as charges relating to the beatings.

From BBC

While her death has not been ruled a homicide, her family has insisted in the past that she was a victim of foul play.

From Los Angeles Times

A leading cause of death among pregnant American women, more than hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, or sepsis, is homicide.

From Salon

Police say homicide detectives are now investigating.

From Los Angeles Times

The death of a 72-year-old Long Beach man is being investigated as a homicide after authorities originally suspected he died by suicide.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assassination
• crime
• foul play
• manslaughter
• murder
• slaying