noun
Common
homicide
HOM-ih-syd
Homicide (noun) means the killing of one person by another, whether it was planned or accidental. Example: “The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.”
noun
1
The killing of one person by another, whether it was planned or accidental.
"The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide."
"Detectives were called in after the homicide near the harbor."
"The court heard that the case was a homicide rather than a simple accident."
2
The police division that investigates killings.
"She was transferred to homicide after ten years in narcotics."
"Her brother works in homicide and often has to work late at night."
"A detective from homicide arrived to talk to the neighbours."
How to use homicide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe general legal term for one person killing another — it covers everything from murder to accidental killing.
Common mistake
Homicide is a neutral, factual term; it doesn't by itself mean the killing was illegal — murder and manslaughter are specific types of homicide.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
justifiable homicide
homicide investigation
homicide detective
homicide rate
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Word forms
- Plural
- homicides
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The medical examiner ruled the death a _____.
Etymology
From Old French homicide, ultimately from Latin homicida ("man-killer") and homicidium ("manslaughter").
Synonyms
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slaying
unlawful killing
criminal homicide
justifiable homicide
fatal attack
assassination
killing
first-degree murder
manslaughter
murder
second-degree murder
Related words
Rhymes for homicide
See all rhymes for homicide →Frequently asked questions
What does “homicide” mean?
The word “homicide” means the killing of one person by another, whether it was planned or accidental. In plain terms, the general legal term for one person killing another — it covers everything from murder to accidental killing.
How do you pronounce “homicide”?
“Homicide” is pronounced HOM-ih-syd (/ˈhɑ.məˌsaɪ̯d/ in IPA).
How do you use “homicide” in a sentence?
Here is “homicide” used in a sentence: “The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.”
What is another word for “homicide”?
Words with a similar meaning to “homicide” include assassination, killing, first-degree murder, manslaughter, murder and second-degree murder.
What part of speech is “homicide”?
“Homicide” is a noun.
Where does the word “homicide” come from?
The word “homicide” comes from Latin. From Old French homicide, ultimately from Latin homicida ("man-killer") and homicidium ("manslaughter").
Is “homicide” a common word?
“Homicide” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “homicide” have?
“Homicide” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the killing of one person by another, whether it was planned or accidental.
What is the difference between homicide and murder?
Homicide is a broad, neutral term for the killing of one person by another, whether it was planned or accidental. Murder is a specific type of homicide that is unlawful and typically involves intent, so not all homicides are murder.
What is the difference between homicide and manslaughter?
Manslaughter is a category of homicide, but one that generally lacks the deliberate intent to kill that defines murder. Homicide simply describes the act of one person killing another, without specifying whether it was lawful, accidental, or intentional.
Is homicide always a crime?
No. Homicide is a general term covering any killing of one person by another, and some homicides, such as those committed in self-defense, are legally justified rather than criminal.
What does a police department's homicide division do?
The homicide division is the branch of a police department that investigates killings, gathering evidence and building cases to determine how and why a death occurred and who may be responsible.
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