SERIAL KILLER Meaning and
Definition
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A serial killer is an individual who commits a series of premeditated murders, typically targeting unsuspecting victims at random, over a prolonged period of time. This term refers to a specific category within the realm of criminal behavior, characterized by the repetitive and patterned nature of the killings. Serial killers engage in multiple acts of murder, with distinct periods between each crime known as a "cooling-off" period, during which they integrate and process their previous actions before feeling the urge to kill again.
Serial killers often exhibit certain key traits such as psychopathy, lack of empathy or remorse, and a distorted sense of reality. These individuals may possess a gratification or fascination derived from causing harm to others, leading them to pursue victim selection and murder as a means to fulfill their desires. Their motivations can vary, ranging from the pleasure derived from inflicting pain to seeking a sense of power and control over others.
Serial killers sometimes display signature behaviors or specific characteristics, which can help investigators link seemingly unrelated crimes to the same perpetrator. These distinctive patterns or modus operandi (M.O.) can include specific tools used, rituals followed, or a consistent choice of prey. Profiling and investigative techniques have been developed to study and identify these patterns in order to apprehend the individuals responsible for such heinous acts. Ultimately, the goal is to protect society from the ongoing threat posed by serial killers, who inflict terror and tragedy on vulnerable communities.
Common Misspellings for SERIAL KILLER
- aerial killer
- zerial killer
- xerial killer
- derial killer
- eerial killer
- werial killer
- swrial killer
- ssrial killer
- sdrial killer
- srrial killer
- s4rial killer
- s3rial killer
- seeial killer
- sedial killer
- sefial killer
- setial killer
- se5ial killer
- se4ial killer
- serual killer
Etymology of SERIAL KILLER
The word "serial killer" is a compound term formed by combining two words: "serial" and "killer".
The word "serial" comes from the Latin word "seriālis", which means "in regular order" or "in a series". It entered the English language in the 19th century and was initially used in the context of describing things arranged in a series or sequence. Over time, it developed a broader meaning of consecutive occurrences or events.
The word "killer" comes from the Old English word "cyllan", which means "to strike" or "to kill". It has been a part of the English language for centuries, referring to a person or entity that causes someone's death intentionally or unlawfully.
The combination of these two words, "serial" and "killer", specifically refers to an individual who commits a series of murders over a period of time, often with a break in between.
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