Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

honor killing

American  
[on-er kil-ing] / ˈɒn ər ˌkɪl ɪŋ /

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.


Etymology

Origin of honor killing

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is about honor killing, but told as a love story.

From New York Times

It was the third such case - described as “honor killings” - to make headlines in as many months.

From Washington Times

Such leniency remains common across the Gulf, although the United Arab Emirates criminalized “honor killings” last fall.

From Seattle Times

Gail Gattrell, the sisters’ great-aunt, has called the deaths an “honor killing,” in which a woman is murdered by a relative to protect her family’s honor.

From Seattle Times

In 2016, the government’s Religious Endowments department issued a fatwa saying honor killings are not compatible with Islam.

From Los Angeles Times