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Fratricide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fratricide

[ˈfrætrɪsaɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

murder of a brother

Fratricide refers to the act of killing one's brother or sister. In a broader sense, it can also denote conflict between brothers or within a social group that leads to violent outcomes. This term is often used in historical and military contexts, where soldiers might inadvertently kill their fellow comrades. The psychological and emotional implications of fratricide are significant, often leading to deep trauma and guilt for the surviving individuals.

Synonyms

brother-killing, intra-familial murder, sibling murder.

Examples of usage

  • The war was marked by instances of fratricide among soldiers.
  • The writer explored themes of fratricide in his novel.
  • Fratricide can lead to devastating consequences within families.
  • The detective discovered the fratricide hidden beneath the layers of betrayal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous literary works, like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' involve themes of fratricide, where betrayal occurs within families, leading to tragic outcomes.
  • In the biblical story of Cain and Abel, the first act of fratricide represents jealousy and the consequences of violence between siblings.
  • Many stories across cultures explore the emotional and psychological impact of fratricide, showcasing the deep fractures it creates within families.

Psychology

  • Studies show that sibling rivalry can escalate to extreme levels in certain environments, leading to a breakdown in familial bonds.
  • The trauma of witnessing or being involved in fratricide can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, including PTSD and deep-seated guilt.
  • Sibling relationships can be complex, where love, rivalry, and competition intertwine, sometimes creating environments that lead to tragic outcomes.

History

  • Throughout history, many conflicts have seen fratricide as a tragic consequence, especially in royal families vying for power.
  • In ancient Rome, several emperors were known to have killed their brothers or family members to secure their reign.
  • Fratricide has been documented in various cultures, often linked to inheritances, succession disputes, and power struggles.

CW & Popular Culture

  • In film and television, themes of fratricide can be seen in dramas that explore complex family dynamics and betrayals, such as in 'The Godfather'.
  • Video games often incorporate fratricide as a storyline element, exploring themes of betrayal where players must face complex moral choices.
  • Popular music sometimes touches on themes of fratricide, addressing the intense emotions and consequences that accompany broken family relationships.

Origin of 'fratricide'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin: 'frater' means brother, and 'cide' means to kill.
  • It's related to other words like 'homicide' (killing a person) and 'suicide' (killing oneself), where 'cide' also signifies killing.
  • Historically, the term has been used in legal texts since the early 16th century.

The term 'fratricide' originates from the Latin word 'fratricidium', which combines 'frater' meaning 'brother' and 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'. The word captures the gravitas of killing one’s own kin, a notion that transcends mere physical violence and delves into the complexities of familial betrayal. Historical texts often reference fratricide in the context of dynastic struggles, where brothers competed for power, leading to tragic outcomes. Its usage has expanded beyond familial contexts into psychological and military discourses, examining the dynamics of conflict and loyalty. Fratricide remains a powerful reminder of the potential for violence that exists even among the closest of relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,765 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.