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

When I came up with the idea, I was really pushing back against all the Muslim stereotypes foisted upon me, like “Can you write a thing about honor killings?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

DIWANIYAH, Iraq — Dozens of Iraqi protesters gathered Sunday to decry the so-called “honor killing” of a 22-year-old YouTube star who was allegedly strangled by her father, adding fuel to calls for legal reforms protecting women.

Read more on Washington Times

In a Shakespearean twist, this honor killing took place in the same post office where Dukes had mailed his offending letter to Captain Nutt.

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As the group decides to stage a production about “honor killings” — filicides of lovers who dare cross caste and religious lines — creative differences become political battles, and romantic tiffs become ideological impasses.

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He said he hoped she met the same fate as Nada al-Qahtani, a Saudi woman who was fatally shot by her brother in a so-called “honor killing” in the kingdom in 2020.

Read more on Seattle Times