infanticide

[ in-fan-tuh-sahyd ]

noun

1. the act of killing an infant.
2. the practice of killing newborn infants.
3. a person who kills an infant.

infanticide

/ ɪnˈfæntɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of an infant
2. the practice of killing newborn infants, still prevalent in some primitive tribes
3. a person who kills an infant

Derived Forms

• inˌfantiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• in·fanti·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infanticide¹

1650–60; infanticide ( def 1 ) < Late Latin infanticīdium; infanticide ( def 2 ) < Late Latin infanticīda. See infant, -i-, -cide

Example Sentences

As explained by a Reuters fact-check, Republican commentators took this out of context as an endorsement for infanticide.

From Salon

As noted by PolitiFact, Davis is correct: "Abortion" after birth would technically be infanticide, which is illegal in all 50 states.

From Salon

She says she was haunted by the realisation that though female infanticide may have been reduced, abandoning baby girls continues.

From BBC

The work is the first to show that adoption, like infanticide, can lead to long-term reproductive success.

From Science Magazine

Unlawful killing is reserved for situations such as murder, infanticide, or manslaughter.

From BBC