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Patricide: meaning, definitions and examples

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patricide

 

[ ˈpæt.rɪ.saɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

crime, murder

Patricide is the act of killing one's father. This term is derived from the Latin word 'patricida', which combines 'pater' meaning father, and 'caedere' meaning to kill. Patricide is often considered a deeply taboo crime and is associated with extreme psychological and cultural implications. In literature and psychology, patricide may be explored as a manifestation of Oedipal conflicts or familial disputes.

Synonyms

father killing, filicide

Examples of usage

  • The protagonist in the novel committed patricide.
  • The study examined the motivations behind patricide.
  • Patricide was a common theme in ancient tragedies.

Translations

Translations of the word "patricide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parricídio

🇮🇳 पितृहत्याकांड

🇩🇪 Vatermord

🇮🇩 patricide

🇺🇦 патрици́д

🇵🇱 patricyd

🇯🇵 父殺し

🇫🇷 parricide

🇪🇸 parricidio

🇹🇷 patricide

🇰🇷 부친 살해

🇸🇦 قتل الأب

🇨🇿 otcova vražda

🇸🇰 otcovražda

🇨🇳 父亲杀人

🇸🇮 očetomor

🇮🇸 feðravíg

🇰🇿 әкенің өлтірілуі

🇬🇪 მამათმკვლელობა

🇦🇿 ata qətl

🇲🇽 parricidio

Etymology

The term 'patricide' is rooted in Latin, with 'pater' meaning father and 'caedere' meaning to kill. The concept has been present in various cultures throughout history, often tied to familial loyalty and societal norms. Ancient Greek tragedies frequently explored the theme of patricide, reflecting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by characters in their narratives. Over time, discussions surrounding patricide have evolved, encompassing psychological analysis and sociological studies, particularly in the context of familial relationships. The act is often seen as one of the most severe forms of betrayal, challenging the inherent parent-child dynamics that society typically upholds.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,846, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.