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Parricide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parricide

[ˈpærɪsaɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

crime, family

Parricide is the act of murdering one's own parent or another close relative. This term originates from the Latin word 'parricida,' which means 'father-killer' or 'parent-killer.' It is considered one of the most heinous crimes due to the betrayal of familial bonds.

Synonyms

familicide, filicide, parent-killing.

Examples of usage

  • The legal system treats parricide as a particularly serious offense.
  • In literature, parricide often serves as a theme symbolizing conflict within families.
  • Psychological studies have explored the motives behind acts of parricide.
  • Cases of parricide can lead to complex legal and emotional disputes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In some cultures, parricide was viewed as an unforgivable sin, leading to social stigma against the perpetrator's family.
  • The ancient Greeks believed that parricide brought a curse upon the family, leading to a cycle of vengeance and tragedy.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, themes of betrayal and familial conflict often touch upon the idea of parricide, such as in 'Hamlet.'
  • Greek tragedies like 'Oedipus Rex' explore complex relationships between parents and children, often leading to tragic outcomes.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that familial abuse can lead to increased likelihood of extreme acts like parricide under severe circumstances.
  • Emotional detachment or severe mental illness has been correlated with cases of parricide in some psychological analyses.

Criminal Law

  • In legal terms, parricide is treated similarly to murder but may carry different implications or penalties depending on jurisdiction.
  • Defense strategies in parricide cases often involve claims of temporary insanity or severe provocation to mitigate culpability.

Origin of 'parricide'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin 'parricida,' where 'parens' means parent and 'caedere' means to kill.
  • In ancient Rome, parricide was considered one of the most heinous crimes, often met with very harsh punishments.

The term 'parricide' comes from the Latin roots 'parri-' meaning 'parent' and '-cide,' which means 'to kill.' Dating back to the 14th century, parricide was used to describe the murder of a parent. The concept of parricide has been documented throughout history in various cultures, often linked to societal and familial conflicts. In ancient Roman law, parricide was considered particularly atrocious, worthy of severe punishment, reflecting the deep moral implications of such acts. From classical literature to modern psychological studies, parricide has been explored as a complex phenomenon involving deep emotional and psychological layers, often revealing the dark dynamics within families.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,269 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.