Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
familicide
Noun
/ˌfæmɪlɪˈsaɪd/
Definition
The act of killing multiple members of one’s own family.
Examples
- The news reported a familicide in the small town, shocking the community.
- Many experts seek to understand the psychological factors that can lead to familicide.
- The evidence pointed towards a tragic case of familicide after the investigation unfolded.
Meaning
Familicide refers to the intentional murder of several family members, often carried out by a single individual. This tragic and severe act typically arises from extreme emotional distress, mental health issues, or complex family dynamics.
Synonyms
- Family murder
- Mass murder (within the family)
- Filicide (killing one’s children)