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

If found guilty the defendants face lengthy prison sentences for "homicide through negligence", fraud and forgery.

From BBC

The 16-year-old boy, who was 15 at the time, was originally charged with murder but admitted the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

From BBC

He was put on trial there for culpable homicide after the suspicious death of a 16-year-old boy in Zimbabwe but the case collapsed.

From BBC

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

Last month, the country saw an average of 74 homicides a day, up from 69 a day in October 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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