matricide

noun

ma·​tri·​cide ˈma-trə-ˌsīd How to pronounce matricide (audio) ˈmā- How to pronounce matricide (audio)
Synonyms of matricidenext
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
matricidal
ˌma-trə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce matricide (audio)
ˌmā-
adjective

Examples of matricide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of matricide was in 1594

Rhymes for matricide

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Browse Nearby Words

matricentric
matricide
matriclan
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Cite this Entry

“Matricide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matricide. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

matricide

noun
ma·​tri·​cide ˈma-trə-ˌsīd How to pronounce matricide (audio) ˈmā- How to pronounce matricide (audio)
1
: murder of a mother by her child
2
: one that murders his or her mother
matricidal
ˌma-trə-ˈsīd-ᵊl How to pronounce matricide (audio)
ˌmā-
adjective

Medical Definition

matricide

noun
ma·​tri·​cide ˈma-trə-ˌsīd How to pronounce matricide (audio) ˈmā- How to pronounce matricide (audio)
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 How to pronounce matricide (audio)
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

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