matricide
noun
ma·tri·cide
ˈma-trə-ˌsīd 
ˈmā-
ˈmā-
1
[Latin matricidium, from matr- + -cidium -cide]
: murder of a mother by her son or daughter
2
[Latin matricida, from matr- + -cida -cide]
: one that murders his or her mother
Examples of matricide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Easily the nation’s most notable parolee, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, 32, was released Dec. 28 having served eight years of her 10-year sentence for matricide.
—
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2024
However, Daniel's hold over Luke proves to be strong, and almost leads him to commit matricide.
—Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 24 Sep. 2022
The reasons were vague, the usual grab bag of crimes—matricide, acting, that sort of thing.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
And on down through matricide, wife-killing and a string of other high crimes and misdemeanors.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
Even the episode involving matricide – at the extremity of possible wrongdoing – was not clear-cut.
—The Washington Post, The Mercury News, 18 June 2019
Even the episode involving matricide — at the extremity of possible wrongdoing — was not clear-cut.
—BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2019
The investigation into alleged matricide began Friday, with a straightforward missing persons report.
—Matthew Ormseth, courant.com, 10 June 2018
There are two murders on camera and innumerable others referred to including a matricide.
—Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 June 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2024
However, Daniel's hold over Luke proves to be strong, and almost leads him to commit matricide.
—Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 24 Sep. 2022
The reasons were vague, the usual grab bag of crimes—matricide, acting, that sort of thing.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
And on down through matricide, wife-killing and a string of other high crimes and misdemeanors.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
Even the episode involving matricide – at the extremity of possible wrongdoing – was not clear-cut.
—The Washington Post, The Mercury News, 18 June 2019
Even the episode involving matricide — at the extremity of possible wrongdoing — was not clear-cut.
—BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2019
The investigation into alleged matricide began Friday, with a straightforward missing persons report.
—Matthew Ormseth, courant.com, 10 June 2018
There are two murders on camera and innumerable others referred to including a matricide.
—Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 June 2017
Cite this Entry
“Matricide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matricide. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
matricide
noun
ma·tri·cide
ˈma-trə-ˌsīd
ˈmā-
ˈmā-
1
: murder of a mother by her child
2
: one that murders his or her mother
Medical Definition
matricide
noun
ma·tri·cide
ˈma-trə-ˌsīd
ˈmā-
ˈmā-
1
: murder of a mother by her son or daughter
2
: one that murders his or her mother
Legal Definition
matricide
noun
mat·ri·cide
ˈma-trə-ˌsīd
1
: the murder of a mother by her son or daughter
2
[Latin matricida, from matr- + -cida killer]
: a person who murders his or her mother
Etymology
Latin matricidium, from matr-, mater mother + -cidium killing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share