Infanticide: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 parent’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.

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.

• ...
• 23214 tether
• 23215 reciprocated
• 23216 scurried
• 23217 infanticide
• 23218 delectable
• 23220 crepe
• ...