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Fratricidal: meaning, definitions and examples

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fratricidal

 

[ ˌfrætrɪˈsaɪdəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

relating to conflict

Fratricidal refers to the act of killing one's brother or sister, often used metaphorically to describe conflicts within a group, especially in political or military contexts. The term suggests a situation where individuals or factions that are fundamentally similar, such as members of the same family or nation, turn against each other in violence. This can lead to devastating consequences, both emotionally and socially, as the ties of kinship are severed in moments of aggression. Such conflicts can be particularly tragic, as they often pit brothers against one another in a struggle for power or ideological differences.

Synonyms

brotherly conflict, inner conflict, sibling-killing

Examples of usage

  • The fratricidal war caused immense suffering in the region.
  • Their fratricidal rivalry destroyed their family ties.
  • Fratricidal conflicts are often the hardest to resolve.

Translations

Translations of the word "fratricidal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fratricida

🇮🇳 भ्रातृघाती

🇩🇪 brüderlich

🇮🇩 fratricidal

🇺🇦 братовбивчий

🇵🇱 bratobójczy

🇯🇵 兄弟殺しの

🇫🇷 fratricide

🇪🇸 fratricida

🇹🇷 kardeş katliamı

🇰🇷 형제 살인

🇸🇦 قتال الأخوة

🇨🇿 bratrovražedný

🇸🇰 bratovražedný

🇨🇳 兄弟相残

🇸🇮 bratoubojni

🇮🇸 bræðraeyðing

🇰🇿 бауырлас өлтіру

🇬🇪 ძმების მკვლელობა

🇦🇿 qardaş qətl

🇲🇽 fratricida

Etymology

The word 'fratricidal' derives from the Latin term 'fratricida', which combines 'frater', meaning 'brother', and 'caedere', meaning 'to kill'. Thus, it literally translates to 'brother killer'. The concept has deep historical roots, often referencing conflicts within closely related groups or families that have escalated into violence. Such instances of betrayal or conflict among kin have been recorded throughout history, from ancient myths to modern-day wars. The term gained prominence as societies recognized the tragic implications of such conflicts, particularly in political or familial settings. The term often emphasizes the irony and tragedy of groups that were once united turning against each other.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,567 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.