infanticide

noun

in·​fan·​ti·​cide in-ˈfan-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce infanticide (audio)
1
: the killing of an infant
2
[Late Latin infanticida, from Latin infant-, infans + -i- + -cida -cide] : one who kills an infant
infanticidal adjective

Examples of infanticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the bad thoughts may serve a biological purpose: because mothers who have thoughts of infanticide are more likely to compulsively check on their infants, their hypervigilance may be what has ensured the continuance of their line. Andrew Kay, Harpers Magazine, 28 May 2025 That's ancient history today, when not even ending infanticide can get sufficient numbers in both chambers to send a bill for signature to President Donald Trump. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 Female infanticide has been distressingly common in many societies — and its practice is not just ancient history. Bryan Walsh, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Many of them were ostracized by their families, leading to thousands of abortions and numerous cases of infanticide and suicide. Katharine Q. Seelye, New York Times, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for infanticide

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin infanticidium, from Latin infant-, infans + -i- + -cidium -cide

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infanticide was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infanticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infanticide. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

infanticide

noun
in·​fan·​ti·​cide in-ˈfant-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce infanticide (audio)
1
: the killing of an infant
2
: one who kills an infant
infanticidal adjective

Legal Definition

infanticide

noun
in·​fan·​ti·​cide in-ˈfan-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce infanticide (audio)
: the killing of a newly or recently born child

More from Merriam-Webster on infanticide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!