Vaticide, or the killing of a prophet or soothsayer, is spelled with three syllables: vay-tuh-sahyd. The first syllable, "vay," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, similar to the word "ray." The second syllable, "tuh," is pronounced with a neutral "uh" sound. The final syllable, "syd," is pronounced with a long "i" sound, like the word "side." Despite its obscure meaning and pronunciation, vaticide is a powerful word referencing the killing of important religious figures throughout history.
Vaticide is a noun, derived from the Latin word vates, meaning “prophet” or “seer,” and the suffix -cide, indicating the act of killing. It refers to the act of killing or murdering a prophet or a clairvoyant. The term is specifically used in a historical and literary context to describe the murder of individuals who claimed to possess supernatural abilities or the power to see the future, whether through divine communication or other means.
Vaticide can be seen as a form of targeted violence aimed at eliminating those who were believed to have insight into the workings of the divine and the ability to predict future events. Throughout history, vaticide has been associated with attempts to eliminate perceived threats to established ideologies, challenge religious authority, or suppress dissenting views.
Although vaticide is an inherent act of violence, its concept is not limited to actual physical murder. It can also encompass attempts to discredit or undermine the credibility of prophets or seers, as well as the deliberate suppression or silencing of their messages. In a figurative sense, it can involve the intentional destruction of prophecies, predictions, or visions, thereby negating their potential influence.
Overall, vaticide encapsulates the notion of suppressing or extinguishing the power and influence associated with prophetic or divine visions, often driven by fear, control, or the desire to maintain authority.
The murder or murderer of a prophet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Vaticide" is derived from Latin. It combines two Latin terms: "vates" meaning "a prophet" or "a seer" and "-cide" meaning "a killing" or "a killer". So, the literal meaning of "Vaticide" is the act of killing or the killer of a prophet. The term is mainly used to refer to the killing of a prophet or oracle.