homicide

noun

ho·​mi·​cide ˈhä-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce homicide (audio) ˈhō- How to pronounce homicide (audio)
1
: a person who kills another
2
: a killing of one human being by another
detectives investigating a homicide

Examples of homicide in a Sentence

The number of homicides increased last year. He has been arrested for homicide.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The killing is Kansas City’s 8th homicide of 2025, according to data maintained by The Star. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 One well publicized homicide later and that consent decree doesn’t seem to mean the same thing. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025 But the family's independent autopsy concluded that homicide or staged suicide could not be ruled out, namely because the hyoid neck bone was missing from the body after it was sent to the family. Abc News, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025 For homicides, the biggest category is made up of individuals with previous violent criminal records, often associated with gangs, killing other criminals or members of gangs—or people who happen to be present during those shootings. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for homicide 

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin homicida, from homo human being + -cida -cide; in sense 2, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin homicidium, from homo + -cidium -cide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homicide was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near homicide

Cite this Entry

“Homicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homicide. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

homicide

noun
ho·​mi·​cide ˈhäm-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce homicide (audio) ˈhō-mə- How to pronounce homicide (audio)
: a killing of one human being by another
Etymology

Middle English homicide "the killing of a person," from early French homicide (same meaning), from Latin homicidium "the act of killing a man," from homo "man" and -cidium "the act of killing," from caedere "to kill, cut"

Medical Definition

homicide

noun
ho·​mi·​cide ˈhäm-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce homicide (audio) ˈhō-mə- How to pronounce homicide (audio)
1
: a person who kills another
2
: a killing of one human being by another compare genocide

Legal Definition

homicide

noun
ho·​mi·​cide ˈhä-mə-ˌsīd, ˈhō- How to pronounce homicide (audio)
1
: a person who kills another
2
: the killing of one human being by another compare manslaughter, murder
criminal homicide
: homicide committed by a person with a criminal state of mind (as intentionally, with premeditation, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence)
deliberate homicide
: homicide caused purposely and knowingly used in Montana
excusable homicide
: homicide that is committed by accident or misfortune by a person doing a lawful act by lawful means with usual and ordinary caution and without any unlawful intent and that is excused under the law
also : justifiable homicide in this entry
felonious homicide
: homicide committed without justification
homicide by misadventure
: homicide that occurs as the result of an accident caused by a person doing a lawful act with no unlawful intent
justifiable homicide
: homicide that is committed in self-defense, in defense of another and especially a member of one's family or sometimes in defense of a residence, in preventing a felony especially involving great bodily harm, or in performing a legal duty and that is justified under the law
also : excusable homicide in this entry
negligent homicide
: homicide caused by a person's criminally negligent act
reckless homicide
: homicide caused by a person's reckless acts

Note: In Illinois, involuntary manslaughter committed by use of a motor vehicle is called reckless homicide.

vehicular homicide \ vē-​ˈhi-​kyə-​lər-​ \
: homicide committed by the use of a vehicle (as an automobile or boat)
Etymology

Latin homicidium, from homo human being + caedere to cut, kill

More from Merriam-Webster on homicide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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