Matricidal - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a crime

Matricidal refers to the act of murdering one's mother or the nature of such an act. The term is often used in psychological contexts, discussing the complexities of maternal relationships. It can also denote certain themes in literature and film, where characters may act against their maternal figures in extreme ways. Matricide is the noun form and refers specifically to the crime itself. This term often carries a deep emotional and psychological significance.

Synonyms

maternal killing, mother murder.

Examples of usage

His matricidal tendencies were explored in therapy.
The novel contains matricidal themes.
The matricidal act shocked the small community.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Matricidal themes appear in classic literature, such as in Shakespeare’s plays, highlighting complex relationships between mothers and sons.
In some mythologies, like the Amazons in Greek lore, battles depicted matricidal actions as a form of rebellion against maternal authority.
Modern novels and films sometimes explore matricidal themes to delve into psychological conflicts within families.

Psychology

Matricidal thoughts can represent deep-seated psychological issues, often tied to feelings of guilt, anger, or unresolved trauma with one's mother.
The phenomenon is examined in psychology as part of familial dynamics and issues surrounding authority figures.
Freudian theories link matricidal feelings to Oedipal conflicts, emphasizing rivalry and complex emotions in parent-child relationships.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Psycho' and 'Mommie Dearest' explore maternal relationships where themes of matricide and psychological trauma are central.
In some video games, matricidal scenarios are used to build dramatic tension and characterize the relationships between protagonists and their mothers.
Music and songs across various genres sometimes reference maternal conflict, illustrating the struggles that can lead to feelings of animosity.

Origin of 'matricidal'

Main points about word origin

The term originates from the Latin word 'mater', meaning mother, combined with 'cide' which comes from 'caedere', meaning to kill.
It is part of a broader category of terms that describe the killing of a family member, each prefixed with 'cide' to indicate the relation.
The first recorded use of matricidal in English dates back to the early 20th century.

The word 'matricidal' is derived from the Latin word 'matricida,' which is a combination of 'mater' meaning 'mother' and 'cida,' meaning 'killer' or 'to kill.' This compound word was developed to describe the act of killing one's mother in both legal and psychological terms. The use of the term has evolved over time, often being referenced in discussions about maternal relationships and their complexities. In literature, matricide is a recurring theme, reflecting deep-seated emotions and conflicts between mothers and their children. As societies have become more introspective about familial dynamics and relationships, the term has found relevance in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and criminology, highlighting the dark aspects of human behavior.

Matricidal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations