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Infanticide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿ”ช
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infanticide

[ษชnหˆfรฆntษชหŒsaษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

criminal act

Infanticide refers to the act of killing an infant, usually defined as a child less than one year old. This act can be carried out by a parent or caregiver and is often linked to severe mental health issues or extreme circumstances. In many jurisdictions, infanticide is treated differently from murder, considering the emotional and psychological states of the individuals involved. The legal definitions and consequences can vary significantly from one country or state to another, influenced by cultural attitudes toward parenting and mental health.

Synonyms

baby killing, child killing, infant murder.

Examples of usage

  • Infanticide is a tragic outcome of untreated mental illness.
  • Cases of infanticide often highlight the need for better mental health support.
  • The law distinguishes infanticide from murder in several jurisdictions.
  • Society must address the underlying causes of infanticide.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient cultures, practices such as exposure (abandoning unwanted infants) were sometimes accepted as part of societal norms.
  • Across various periods, particularly in wartime, instances of infanticide have often been linked to social upheaval and collapse of family structures.
  • Certain cultures historically had different attitudes towards the lives of infants, sometimes viewing them as expendable in dire circumstances.

Legal Perspectives

  • Many jurisdictions classify infanticide distinct from homicide, acknowledging the mental state of a parent at the time of the act.
  • In some countries, infanticide laws have aimed to address the extenuating circumstances surrounding postpartum mental health issues.

Psychological Aspects

  • Research indicates that extreme stress and mental illness can lead to tragic outcomes, exemplifying the vulnerability of new parents.
  • Postpartum depression can severely affect a parentโ€™s ability to care for their child, sometimes leading to desperate and heartbreaking decisions.

Media Representation

  • Infanticide has been a theme explored in various forms of literature and film, often highlighting societal failures and personal tragedies.
  • Documentaries and news reports sometimes examine infanticide to provoke discussions about mental health and societal support systems.

Origin of 'infanticide'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'infans' meaning 'infant' and 'cide' meaning 'to kill', reflecting its literal meaning.
  • It first appeared in legal contexts in Europe around the late 19th century, as laws began to specifically address the treatment of children.

The term 'infanticide' is derived from the Latin word 'infans', which means 'infant' or 'young child', combined with 'caedere', meaning 'to kill'. The use of the term can be traced back to the late 14th century in English, reflecting societal concerns about the well-being of infants and the responsibilities of parents. Historically, infanticide has been viewed in various ways, from a criminal act to a practice that was sometimes tolerated under certain conditions, such as extreme poverty or illegitimacy. Over time, with shifts in legal systems and social attitudes, the perception and treatment of infanticide have evolved. Today, the focus is increasingly on the mental health aspects surrounding such cases, acknowledging the complex emotional and psychological factors that may lead to this tragic act.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,217, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.