Homicidal: meaning, definitions and examples

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homicidal

 

[ ˌhɒmɪˈsaɪdəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Homicidal refers to a state of feeling or behaving in a way that is likely to result in the death of another person. It indicates an inclination or tendencies towards committing murder or acts of violence that could lead to fatal outcomes. This term is often used in legal and psychological contexts to describe individuals who have the potential or desire to kill. Understanding homicidal impulses is crucial in criminal psychology and law enforcement.

Synonyms

bloodthirsty, fatal, murderous, violent

Examples of usage

  • The defendant was found to have homicidal tendencies.
  • His homicidal thoughts were alarming to his friends.
  • The film explored themes of homicidal mania.

Translations

Translations of the word "homicidal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 homicida

🇮🇳 हत्या करने वाला

🇩🇪 mörderisch

🇮🇩 homicidal

🇺🇦 вбивчий

🇵🇱 homicidalny

🇯🇵 殺人者の

🇫🇷 homicidaire

🇪🇸 homicida

🇹🇷 katil

🇰🇷 살인적인

🇸🇦 قاتل

🇨🇿 vražedný

🇸🇰 vražedný

🇨🇳 杀人性的

🇸🇮 umorilni

🇮🇸 morðingjandi

🇰🇿 кісірші

🇬🇪 მკვლელური

🇦🇿 qətl

🇲🇽 homicida

Etymology

The term 'homicidal' originates from the Latin word 'homicida', which means 'a killer' or 'one who murders'. The word is formed from 'homo', meaning 'man', and 'caedere', meaning 'to kill'. It made its way into English in the early 19th century and has since been utilized primarily in legal and medical vocabulary to describe individuals exhibiting tendencies that threaten the lives of others. Its incorporation into psychological and criminological discussions highlights the importance of recognizing aggressive behaviors and potential threats in society. Over time, 'homicidal' has become a significant descriptor in legal contexts, particularly concerning discussions around mental health evaluations, criminal responsibility, and the severity of crimes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,605, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.