homicide
HOM-ih-syde
/ˈhɒmɪsaɪd/
The killing of one human being by another.
Homicide is a broad, neutral umbrella term. It includes legal killings (like self-defense or state executions) and illegal ones (murder and manslaughter). It is not synonymous with 'murder' in a strict legal sense.
The story behind the word. The word combines 'homo' (human) with the suffix '-cide,' which comes from the Latin 'caedere' (to cut or kill). It entered English in the 14th century via Old French, providing a clinical, legal term for what was previously just called 'manslaughter' or 'slaying.'
Word relationships
- killing: Killing is the general term for ending a life, while homicide specifically refers to humans killing humans.
- slaughter: Slaughter implies a violent, messy, or large-scale killing, often used for animals or massacres.
- birth: The beginning of life rather than its termination.
- animation: The state of being alive or bringing to life.
Commonly confused with
- murder: Murder is a specific type of illegal homicide involving intent; homicide is the general act.
Word family
- homicidal (adjective): Having a tendency toward or involving homicide.
Collocations
- justifiable homicide
- homicide rate
- homicide detective
- culpable homicide
Example sentences
- "The police are investigating the death as a homicide until evidence suggests otherwise." A formal police report describing a crime scene.
- "The mere fact of homicide is not enough to constitute murder; there must be the element of malice." A classic literary reference to the act of killing. (Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England)
Memory hook
Think of 'Homo sapiens' + 'suicide' (killing oneself). Homicide is killing a 'homo' (human). Homo (human) + cide (kill).
When not to use
Do not use homicide when you specifically mean a crime has been proven; use 'murder' or 'manslaughter' for the specific conviction.
Fun facts
- In some jurisdictions, 'justifiable homicide' includes killing in self-defense or to prevent a very serious crime.
- The word 'homicide' is used by coroners to describe the manner of death, even if no one is ever charged with a crime.
Related words
Also appears in
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