Matricidal: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.