infanticide

[in-fan-tuh-sahyd]

noun

1. the act of killing an infant.

2. the practice of killing newborn infants.

3. a person who kills an infant.

infanticide

/ ɪnˈfæntɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of an infant

2. the practice of killing newborn infants, still prevalent in some primitive tribes

3. a person who kills an infant

Other Word Forms

• infanticidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infanticide¹

1650–60; infanticide ( def. 1 ) < Late Latin infanticīdium; infanticide ( def. 2 ) < Late Latin infanticīda. See infant, -i-, -cide

Example Sentences

Campaigners say a traditional preference for sons has meant millions of female children are lost to foeticide and infanticide over the years.

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“I am also not bothered by infanticide as long as it is done humanely...”

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The woman, believed to be the baby's mother, was detained on Saturday on suspicion of concealing a birth, neglect and infanticide, the Metropolitan Police has said.

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As explained by a Reuters fact-check, Republican commentators took this out of context as an endorsement for infanticide.

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As noted by PolitiFact, Davis is correct: "Abortion" after birth would technically be infanticide, which is illegal in all 50 states.

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