noun Uncommon

manslaughter

MAN-slaw-tuh

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Manslaughter (noun) means the unlawful killing of a person without the deliberate intent required for murder, for example through negligence or in the heat of the moment. Example: “He was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder because there was no premeditation.”

noun

The unlawful killing of a person without the deliberate intent required for murder, for example through negligence or in the heat of the moment.

"He was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder because there was no premeditation."

"The driver faced manslaughter charges after the fatal crash."

How to use manslaughter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA killing that's against the law but treated as less serious than murder because there was no clear intent to kill.

Common mistake

Don't use interchangeably with "murder" — manslaughter specifically implies a lack of premeditated intent.

Easily confused with

murder →

Common pairings

charged with manslaughter voluntary manslaughter involuntary manslaughter

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: manslaughters

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was convicted of _____ rather than murder because there was no premeditation.

Etymology

From Middle English man + slaughter, echoing the older Old English mansliht ("killing of a person").

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for manslaughter

daughter laughter slaughter goddaughter stepdaughter granddaughter

See all rhymes for manslaughter →

Frequently asked questions

What does “manslaughter” mean?

The word “manslaughter” means the unlawful killing of a person without the deliberate intent required for murder, for example through negligence or in the heat of the moment. In plain terms, a killing that's against the law but treated as less serious than murder because there was no clear intent to kill.

How do you pronounce “manslaughter”?

“Manslaughter” is pronounced MAN-slaw-tuh (/ˈmænˌslɔtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “manslaughter” in a sentence?

Here is “manslaughter” used in a sentence: “He was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder because there was no premeditation.”

What part of speech is “manslaughter”?

“Manslaughter” is a noun.

Where does the word “manslaughter” come from?

The word “manslaughter” comes from Old English. From Middle English man + slaughter, echoing the older Old English mansliht ("killing of a person").

Is “manslaughter” a common word?

“Manslaughter” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Vocabulary lists that include manslaughter:

12 letter words