Parricidal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parricidal

[ˌpɛrɪˈsaɪdəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

relating to murder

Parricidal refers to the act of killing one's own parents or another close relative. It is a specific type of homicide that involves familial relationships, often associated with extreme psychological distress or a breakdown in the family structure.

Synonyms

filicidal, homicidal.

Examples of usage

  • The parricidal tendencies in the character were explored in the novel.
  • He was charged with parricidal acts after the tragic incident.
  • The play depicted the parricidal theme in a profound way.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Parricidal thoughts can arise from extreme emotional distress or trauma within family dynamics.
  • Mental disorders such as schizophrenia or severe personality disorders may contribute to violent impulses against close family members.
  • Family therapy is often recommended for those experiencing conflict, as it can help resolve underlying issues rather than lead to tragic outcomes.

Literature

  • The theme of parricide is explored in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' where Hamlet grapples with avenging his father, hinting at deep family conflict.
  • Edgar Allan Poe’s works sometimes touch on parricidal thoughts, exploring the psychological turmoil of characters in crisis.
  • Greek tragedies often featured parricide, reflecting ancient societal fears and moral dilemmas related to family loyalty.

Criminal Justice

  • Criminal cases of parricide often involve complex psychological evaluations due to the nature of familial relationships.
  • Legal systems tend to impose harsher penalties for parricide, reflecting societal outrage and the perceived gravity of the offense.
  • In many cultures, acts of violence within the family can lead to both legal and psychological repercussions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention.

Cultural Significance

  • Parricide is heavily stigmatized in most cultures, often seen as the ultimate betrayal of familial trust and loyalty.
  • Various cultures have mythological stories that serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of violent actions against one's own family.
  • In modern media, parricide stories often serve as plot devices in thrillers, emphasizing the psychological horror behind such actions.

Origin of 'parricidal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'parricida', meaning 'one who kills a parent', with 'par' (father) and 'cidere' (to kill).
  • The term has roots in ancient Roman law, which had specific penalties for this act, reflecting the severe cultural taboo around it.

The term 'parricidal' is derived from the Latin word 'parricida,' which comes from 'par' (meaning 'father') and 'cida' (meaning 'killer'). The prefix 'par-' specifically refers to relatives, particularly parents. The concept of parricide has existed in various cultures and mythologies, often linked to themes of betrayal and madness. In ancient Rome, parricide was considered a heinous crime, and the perpetrator faced severe consequences. Over time, the word has evolved but retained its dark connotations related to the act of killing family members. In modern psychology, parricidal actions are often explored in terms of mental health, familial relationships, and societal pressures, making it a complex topic within criminal studies and literature.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,205, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.