manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.

Recent Examples on the Web

Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt have pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and assault causing serious bodily injury in connection with McClain’s death. —Andi Babineau, CNN, 20 Sep. 2023

Kerns acquitted the former Fort Lupton police officer of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter after her bench trial in July. —CBS News, 18 Sep. 2023

Two people are facing charges, including murder, manslaughter and assault. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2023

Stokes was recently freed after serving 14 years of a 16-year prison sentence for federal gun charges and manslaughter. —Ramsey Archibald | [e-mail], al, 17 Sep. 2023

Now prosecutors have opened up a manslaughter case against the owner of Tchin Tchin, who preserved the sardines that have been singled out as the cause of the outbreak, according to CBS News. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023

Damron was arrested Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and child endangerment causing death, according to the Police Department. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023

Phoenix Police arrested Christian Aragon Zazueta, 18, and charged him with one count of manslaughter. —Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2023

Warren Montgomery, the district attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes, agreed to reduce Lee’s conviction to manslaughter and his life sentence to 35 years. —Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the slaying of a human being

specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder

— involuntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

— misdemeanor-manslaughter

: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder

— voluntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.