regicide

noun

reg·​i·​cide ˈre-jə-ˌsīd How to pronounce regicide (audio)
Synonyms of regicidenext
1
: a person who kills a king
2
: the killing of a king
regicidal
ˌre-jə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce regicide (audio)
adjective

Examples of regicide 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.
The raw power grab that excites Lady Macbeth and incites her husband to regicide feels especially pertinent now, when the dangers of autocracy loom over political discussions. — Peter Marks, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024 Those Tories by the way have a particular penchant for political regicide before voters get the chance. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin reg-, rex king + English -cide — more at royal

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regicide was in 1548

Rhymes for regicide

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regicide
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Cite this Entry

“Regicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regicide. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

regicide

noun
reg·​i·​cide ˈrej-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce regicide (audio)
1
: a person who kills or helps to kill a king
2
: the killing of a king
regicidal
ˌrej-ə-ˈsīd-əl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on regicide

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for regicide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about regicide

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