homicidal
UK[ˌhɒm.ɪˈsaɪ.dəl]US[ˌhɑː.mɪˈsaɪ.dəl]
adj
having a tendency to kill people; likely to commit homicide.
adj
relating to or characteristic of homicide.
Morpheme Breakdown
homi
cid
al
homi
human being, man
cid
kill, cut
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'homicidal' is a modern english formation built directly upon the latin components for "man-killer." the first element, 'homi-', derives from the latin homo, meaning "human being." the second element, '-cid-', originates from the latin verb caedere, "to cut down or kill," which is also the source for the agent noun -cida, meaning "killer." the suffix '-al' is a common adjectival ending of latin origin. thus, the literal construction "pertaining to a human-killer" evolved into its current abstract meaning, describing a person inclined to murder or the characteristics associated with such an act. the semantic journey reflects a direct compounding of these classical roots without significant phonetic alteration.
Analysis
Structure: homi (human being, man) + cid (kill, cut) + al (adjective suffix)
- homi: from latin homo (genitive hominis) meaning "human being, man".
- cid: from latin -cida (killer) and caedere (to cut, to strike, to kill).
- al: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
Examples
the psychiatrist concluded the patient exhibited homicidal tendencies.
the novel's antagonist is a deeply disturbed individual with homicidal rage.
the prosecutor argued the evidence pointed to a homicidal intent.