Parricidal: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

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• 40202 rainiest
• 40203 vulpine
• 40204 danceable
• 40205 parricidal
• 40206 ruddier
• 40207 cinching
• 40208 joggled
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