Homicide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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homicide

[ˈhɒmɪsaɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime investigation

The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder.

Synonyms

killing, murder, slaying.

Examples of usage

  • Homicide detectives were called to the scene of the crime.
  • She was charged with homicide after the victim's body was found.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

The killing of a human being by another; a person who kills another.

Synonyms

manslaughter, murder, slaying.

Examples of usage

  • The defense argued that it was a case of justifiable homicide.
  • The suspect was arrested on charges of homicide.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Perspectives

  • Homicide is classified into different categories, including murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide, each with distinct legal implications.
  • Murder is often defined as intentional killing, while manslaughter usually involves less intention or provocation.
  • Laws on homicide can vary greatly from one country to another, reflecting cultural values around life and justice.

Psychology

  • Research shows that a significant percentage of homicides are related to mental health issues, often involving underlying struggles with violence and impulse control.
  • Sociopathy and psychopathy are psychological conditions that can be linked to higher incidences of violent behavior, including homicide.
  • Trauma and a history of abuse are known factors that may lead some individuals to commit acts of homicide.

Media and Representation

  • Homicide is a popular theme in movies and television shows, often portrayed in crime dramas that explore the motivations behind such acts.
  • Documentaries and true crime series frequently discuss real-life homicide cases, contributing to public interest and discourse around crime.
  • Fictional stories exploring homicide often delve into complex human emotions and societal repercussions, igniting conversations around morality.

Societal Impact

  • Homicides can have profound effects on communities, not just due to the loss of life but also the resulting fear and social disruption.
  • Statistics show that areas with high homicide rates often face economic hardships and weakened social cohesion.
  • Community programs aimed at violence prevention have been shown to help reduce homicide rates by addressing underlying societal issues.

Origin of 'homicide'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'homicidium,' which combines 'homo' (man) and 'caedere' (to kill).
  • In early English, 'homicide' was used in legal contexts to describe violent actions taken against another person.
  • The word began appearing in legal documents after the influence of French law in the medieval period.

The word 'homicide' comes from the Latin words 'homo' meaning 'man' and 'caedere' meaning 'to cut, kill'. The term has been used in legal contexts for centuries to refer to the act of killing another human being. Homicide can be classified into various categories based on intent and circumstances, such as murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,454, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.