parricide

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the killing of one's father, mother, or another close relative

   The tragedy ends with parricide and the collapse of the royal house.

2. 2
   noun

   a person who kills a parent or close relative

   The court condemned the parricide to life imprisonment.

Borrowed through French from Latin parricidium, "the killing of a close relative," and parricida, "one who kills a close relative." The origin of the first element is disputed; despite its modern association with parents, it may not derive directly from Latin pater, "father."

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