Pronunciation: [mˈansle͡ɪə] (IPA) 
The word "manslayer" is spelled with the letter "s" in the middle, despite it being pronounced as "man-slay-er." This is because the letter "s" represents the sound of /z/ in the middle of the word, which is voiced. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /ˈmæn.sleɪər/, representing the stress on the first syllable, followed by two syllables of "sleɪər," with the "s" representing the voiced sound of /z/.
A manslayer is an individual who intentionally or unintentionally causes the death of another human being. This term is primarily used in legal and criminal contexts to describe a person who commits manslaughter, which is the unlawful killing of another person without any prior intent to cause death. A manslayer can be differentiated from a murderer, as the latter involves premeditation and a willful intention to kill.
Manslaughter, as perpetrated by a manslayer, may occur in various circumstances, such as during a sudden fight, in the heat of passion, or as a result of criminal negligence. Manslaughter can be divided into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter typically occurs when an individual kills another person in the immediate heat of passion, provoked by a sufficiently grave and sudden provocation. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, refers to unintentional killings resulting from criminal negligence or reckless behavior.
The term "manslayer" emphasizes the act of causing another person's death rather than focusing on the intent or motivation behind the act. It signifies an individual who bears the responsibility for killing another human being, regardless of the circumstances. Legal systems worldwide recognize the distinction between different forms of manslaughter and assign appropriate legal consequences to each, aiming to ensure justice and accountability for the unlawful taking of another person's life.
The word "manslayer" is derived from the combination of two roots: "man" and "slayer".
1. Man: The term "man" originates from Old English "mann" and is cognate with Dutch "man", German "Mann", and Old Norse "madr". It refers to an adult human being, particularly a male.
2. Slayer: The word "slayer" is derived from Old English "slēan", which means "to strike, beat, or slay". It is related to Dutch "slaan" and German "schlagen", meaning "to strike" or "to hit".
When these two roots are combined, the term "manslayer" refers to a person (usually a man) who has intentionally caused the death of another individual. It is thus a compound of "man" and "slayer", explicitly emphasizing the gender of the person who commits the act of slaying.
