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Definition of patricide

patricide

/ˈpæt.ɹɪ.saɪd/
pat · ri · cide
Plural:patricides
•
Adjective:patricidal
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patricide Lexical Profile

patricide Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or crime of killing one's own father.

Example

"In ancient Greek tragedy, the myth of Oedipus centers on a prophecy of unintended patricide."

2

A person who kills their own father.

Example

"Under Roman law, a convicted patricide faced uniquely severe punishment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for patricide

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'patricide' (specifically killing one's father) with 'parricide', which is a broader term for killing a close relative (such as either parent or a monarch).

• Rhymes for patricide

• Nearby Words

patriarchate
patriarchy
patrician
patricide
patrick
patrilocality
patrinia

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French or directly from Latin 'patricidium' (the murder of one's father) and 'patricida' (a murderer of one's father), altered from 'parricidium' by association with 'pater' (father) and '-cidium' (a killing, from 'caedere', to cut or strike down).

Cite this Entry

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