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Definition of fratricide

fratricide

/ˈfræt.rɪ.saɪd/
frat · ri · cide
Adverb:fratricidally
•
Plural:fratricides
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Adjective:fratricidal
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fratricide Lexical Profile

fratricide Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act of killing one's own brother or sister.

Example

"The ancient myth centers on a tragic act of fratricide over the royal throne."

2

The accidental or intentional killing of one's own fellow citizens, countrymen, or comrades-in-arms.

Example

"Historians often describe the civil war as a devastating period of national fratricide."

3

A person who kills their own brother or sister.

Example

"In the play, the usurper is haunted by guilt after becoming a fratricide."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fratricide

Word Nuance & Usage

While etymologically specific to a brother, 'fratricide' is frequently used more broadly to encompass the killing of a sister (more precisely 'sororicide') or any fellow countryman or ally.

• Rhymes for fratricide

• Nearby Words

fraternization
fraternize
fratricidal
fratricide
fratty
frau
fraud

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French and Late Latin 'fratricidium' (the act) and 'fratricida' (the perpetrator), formed from Latin 'frater' (brother) and '-cidium' or '-cida' (from 'caedere', meaning 'to cut down' or 'to kill').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fratricide. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fratricide
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