Search Dictionary
Definition of manslaughter

manslaughter

/ˈmænˌslɔː.tɚ/
man · slaugh · ter
Plural:manslaughters
JUMP TO:

manslaughter Lexical Profile

manslaughter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The crime of unlawfully killing a human being without malice aforethought, or in circumstances not amounting to murder.

Example

"The driver was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after causing a fatal accident while distracted."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for manslaughter

Word Nuance & Usage

In criminal law, manslaughter is strictly distinguished from murder by the absence of malice aforethought (premeditation), typically resulting from gross negligence or a sudden provocation.

• Nearby Words

manservant
mansfield
mansion
manslaughter
mansplain
mansplainer
mansplaining

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded in Middle English around the 14th century, combining 'man' (in its older sense of any human being) with 'slaughter' (from Old Norse 'slatr', meaning butchery or killing).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Manslaughter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/manslaughter
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.