Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
filicide
Noun
/ˈfɪlɪˌsaɪd/
Definition
The act of a parent killing their own child.
Examples
- A mother was charged with filicide after the tragic incident.
- Filicide can stem from various psychological issues or distress.
- The legal implications of filicide vary greatly from case to case.
Meaning
Filicide refers specifically to the act committed by a parent towards their child, typically considered in the context of severe mental illness or extreme circumstances.
Synonyms
- Child homicide
- Matricide (when the mother is the perpetrator)
- Paternal filicide (when the father is the perpetrator)