honor killing

[ on-er kil-ing ]

noun

1. the killing of a relative, especially a female relative, as retribution for the perceived dishonoring of the family, as dictated or sanctioned by some cultures and religions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honor killing¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

From Ebola to immigration, from honor killing to the strains of military life, the forum covered it all.

From The Daily Beast

A mother—along with her husband and son—killed three girls in an “honor killing” in Canada.

From The Daily Beast

Her lawyer, a respected member of the legal community, was witness to her honor killing.

From The Daily Beast

ABC News is running the headline: “Christian Teen Flees Home, Says She Fears Honor Killing by Muslim Father.”

From The Daily Beast

Phyllis Chesler makes detailed comparisons that highlight the differences between honor-killing and domestic violence.

From The Daily Beast