Familicide: meaning, definitions and examples

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familicide

 

[ fæmɪlɪˌsaɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

crime against family

Familicide refers to the act of murdering several members of one's own family. It is a severe and tragic crime that often stems from a combination of mental health issues, familial disputes, and social pressures. This term highlights the extreme violation of trust and bonds within a family unit.

Synonyms

domestic homicide, family annihilation

Examples of usage

  • The news reported a case of familicide in a suburban neighborhood.
  • Psychologists study the motives behind familicide to better understand such extreme behavior.
  • In some societies, familicide has been linked to cultural pressures regarding family honor.

Word origin

The term 'familicide' is derived from the combination of 'family' and the suffix '-cide,' which indicates killing or the act of causing death. The root 'fam-' comes from the Latin word 'familia,' meaning household or family, while '-cide' is borrowed from Latin 'caedere,' meaning to cut or kill. The word has emerged in modern criminal literature and psychology to describe a specific and highly distressing type of violent crime. Familicide cases have been documented throughout history, often igniting discussions about domestic violence, mental health, and societal norms. The unique aspect of familicide is the betrayal it represents, as it occurs within the confines of trusted familial relationships, leading to a deep psychological impact on survivors and communities.