fratricide
UK[ˈfrætrɪsaɪd]US[ˈfrætrɪsaɪd]
n
the crime of killing one's own brother or sister.
n
the accidental killing of one's own forces in war.
Morpheme Breakdown
fratri
cide
fratri
brother
cide
killing
Etymology
the word 'fratricide' is a direct borrowing from late latin 'fratricidium', which itself was formed from the classical latin elements 'frater' (brother) and '-cidium' (a killing). the latin verb 'caedere', meaning to cut down or slay, is the ultimate source for the killing element, seen in other english words like 'homicide' and 'suicide'. the term's meaning expanded from the literal act of killing a sibling to also encompass the metaphorical 'killing' of one's comrades in a military context, highlighting the profound betrayal inherent in the act.
Analysis
Structure: fratri (brother) + cide (killing)
fratri - from latin 'frater', meaning brother. cide - from latin '-cidium', a noun-forming suffix from the verb 'caedere', meaning to cut or kill.
Examples
the ancient tale is steeped in betrayal and fratricide.
the military investigation focused on reducing incidents of fratricide.
he was consumed by guilt after the accidental fratricide.