HOMICIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Homicide refers to the act of taking another person's life through the unlawful or intentional killing of an individual. Derived from the Latin words "homo" meaning "man" and "caedere" meaning "to kill," homicide encompasses various acts that result in the death of a human being, encompassing both criminal and non-criminal instances.
Criminal homicides involve the intentional killing of another person, generally classified as murder or manslaughter. Murder refers to the intentional and premeditated act of unlawfully causing the death of another person. Manslaughter, on the other hand, refers to the unintentional killing of another person, often resulting from negligence or reckless behavior.
Non-criminal homicides include instances where the taking of a life is justifiable or excusable under the law, such as self-defense or the defense of others. These cases may also involve accidental deaths that occur during the commission of a lawful act, like an industrial accident.
Homicide is a term distinct from murder, which specifically denotes the act of intentionally killing another person with malice aforethought. Homicide, in a broader sense, encompasses all instances involving the death of a human being, irrespective of intent or legal consequences. The legal classification and punishment of homicide offenses vary among jurisdictions, reflecting the seriousness of the crime and the specific circumstances surrounding each case.
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1. The killing of a human being, murder. 2. One who kills another, a murderer.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The killing of one human creature by another; a manslayer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of HOMICIDE
The word "homicide" originated from the Latin term "homicidium". It is a combination of two Latin words: "homo" meaning "man" or "human" and "caedere" meaning "to kill" or "cut down". Therefore, "homicidium" literally translates to "the killing of a human being". This Latin term eventually evolved into the Old French word "homicide" and was later adopted into Middle English, where it has remained unchanged.
Similar spelling word for HOMICIDE
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