Meaning & Definition of word "Homicide"
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Homicide
/ˈhɒmɪˌsaɪd/
noun:
- 1. The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder.
- Example: The detective was assigned to investigate the homicide case that had shocked the small town.
- 2. A person who kills another person, especially in a legal context.
- Example: The jury had to determine whether the defendant acted in self-defense or committed homicide.
- 3. The act of killing, especially when considered a crime.
- Example: Homicide rates have fluctuated significantly over the past decade in urban areas.
Etymology
From Latin 'homicidium', from 'homo' meaning 'man' and 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
homicide detective:
A police officer who specializes in investigating homicides.
justifiable homicide:
A killing that is considered legal under the circumstances, such as self-defense.
homicide rate:
The number of homicides occurring in a specific area over a defined period.
Related Words
murder:
The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
manslaughter:
The unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought.
assassin:
A person who murders an important person for political or monetary reasons.
Slang Meanings of homicide
Meaning: Hit
Example Sentence: He put out a hit on his enemy, which is basically a planned homicide.
Meaning: Cap
Example Sentence: They cap someone if they decide to kill them in a gang rivalry.