manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the next few years, Pistorius was put on trial for Steenkamp’s murder, at first being found guilty of culpable homicide, akin to manslaughter, in 2014. —Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

He was retried on lesser charges, with another jury acquitting him of involuntary manslaughter and hanging on a charge of voluntary manslaughter. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024

The boy was convicted last month of numerous charges including two counts of vehicular manslaughter and several of evading a peace officer. —Michael McGough, Sacramento Bee, 25 May 2024

Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and more call for action in wake of George Floyd's death Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in April 2021 and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the slaying of a human being

specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder

— involuntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

— misdemeanor-manslaughter

: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder

— voluntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.