Filicide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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filicide

[ˈfɪlɪˌsaɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Filicide refers to the act of a parent killing their own child. It is considered one of the most heinous forms of homicide due to the inherent trust and bond between parent and child. Filicide cases often involve complex psychological factors and can be a result of various influences.

Synonyms

child murder, matricide, patricide.

Examples of usage

  • The court heard a shocking case of filicide that left the community in disbelief.
  • Filicide can stem from severe mental illness or extreme circumstances.
  • Historically, filicide has been documented in various cultures and societies.

Translations

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Origin of 'filicide'

The term 'filicide' is derived from the Latin word 'filius,' meaning 'son,' and 'cida,' which is a form of the word 'caedere,' meaning 'to kill.' The term was first introduced in legal and psychological contexts as society began to take a closer look at the motivations and circumstances surrounding the killing of children by their parents. Throughout history, instances of filicide have been recorded as a reflection of societal norms and mental health issues. The crime is often regarded with horror and disbelief, revealing deep societal and familial fractures. Legal systems have struggled with how to treat these cases, balancing the complexity of parental relationships with the prevalence of mental health issues in many filicide scenarios.