Fratricide

usgb/ˈfrætrɪsaɪd/
noun

The act of killing one's own brother or sister or an act causing their death.

The prince was accused of fratricide when his brother mysteriously died.
Visual representation of "fratricide" - The act of killing one's own brother or sister or an act causing their death.

Often appears as...

  • commit fratricide
  • accused of fratricide
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "fratricide"
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Literal Meaning

Fratricide means literally killing one's own brother, emphasizing family tragedy.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
In ancient dramas, fratricide is a recurring theme signifying ultimate betrayal.
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Gender Neutral

Fratricide refers to killing of both brothers and sisters, not just male siblings.

Illustration for Gender Neutral
The law reforms categorized both brother and sister killing as fratricide.
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Historical Usage

Fratricide is historically associated with power struggles in royalty and mythology.

Illustration for Historical Usage
Cain's fratricide of Abel is one of the earliest stories of such a crime.
Visual representation of the word "Fratricide"

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