What does "fratricide" mean?
The killing of one's brother (or sister).
Fratricide
noun
noun ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The killing of one's brother (or sister).
- Grammar: fratricide is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aborticide, brother homicide, friendly fire, fungicide.
- Useful contrasts: fraternal harmony, team unity.
- Usage evidence: Fratricide is a fancy word for killing your brother or sister.
How to use "fratricide"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fratricide" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fratricide" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fratricide" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fratricide" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fratricide" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aborticide" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fratricide", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The killing of one's brother (or sister). countable, uncountable
"The new accusation brought by Urban against Manfred of murdering his sister-in-law's embassador – it may be observed that, tacitly, he acquits him of parricide, fratricide, and nepoticide – requires a little explanation."
- 2 A person who commits fratricide.
"Can Signorio was twice a fratricide, the last time when he lay upon his death-bed: his tomb bears upon its gables the images of six virtues, — Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, and (I believe) Justice and Fortitude."
- 3 the murder of your sibling wordnet
- 4 The intentional or unintentional killing of a comrade in arms. broadly, countable, uncountable
"From January on, Third Army also spent a good deal of energy trying to solve the problem of fratricide, the killing or injuring of one's own forces by what is ironically called 'friendly fire,'[…]"
- 5 fire that injures or kills an ally wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The undesirable situation where the separate missiles from a MIRV interfere with each other as they explode. broadly, countable, uncountable
- 7 a person who murders their brother or sister wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
fraternal harmonyteam unity
Example
"Fratricide is a fancy word for killing your brother or sister."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fratricide"?
Common synonyms include: aborticide, brother homicide, friendly fire, fungicide, genocide, germicide.
How do you use "fratricide" in a sentence?
Fratricide is a fancy word for killing your brother or sister.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle French fratricide or its etymon Latin frātricīdium.
Etymology 2
From Middle English fratricide, from Middle French fratricide or its etymon Latin frātricīda.