manslaughter

noun

man·slaugh·ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər

Definition of manslaughter

: 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

After a trial of a month and a half, the jury took less than 11 hours to find Casey not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse. — Fox News, "Casey Anthony's parents question what went wrong, who was to blame in new A&E special," 2 Oct. 2018 The Bergen County prosecutor's office said Wednesday 34-year-old William H. Jenkins, of Fair Lawn, was charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of Roosevelt Rene, whose body was discovered Tuesday. — Houston Chronicle, "Brother of Giants' Janoris Jenkins charged in man's death," 28 June 2018 Casey Anthony was put on trial, but after a month and a half, she was found not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse, Fox News reported. — Natalie Dreier, ajc, "Casey Anthony’s parents speak out about daughter, granddaughter, 10 years after Caylee’s death," 30 May 2018 Barton is charged with first-degree murder, witness intimidation, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse. — Gal Tziperman Lotan, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Woman accused of beating toddler to death not competent for trial, attorney says," 21 May 2018 Pete Williston said detectives presented their investigative findings to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and the reckless manslaughter warrant was issued against Cain. — Carol Robinson, AL.com, "Suspect jailed for deadly weekend shooting in Birmingham," 3 Apr. 2018 Golden and Wren were charged with first-degree murder and aggravated manslaughter of a child. — Elizabeth Finny, miamiherald, "A child was found with bite marks. Now, a couple faces a first-degree murder charge.," 19 June 2018 Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield will be facing prosecution for the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool supporters back in April 1989. — SI.com, "Hillsborough Police Chief David Duckenfield Faces Trial for Manslaughter of 95 Liverpool Supporters," 29 June 2018 The owners, Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, were acquitted of manslaughter. — Elizabeth Yuan, WSJ, "Philharmonic Piece Inspired by Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Set to Debut," 23 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'manslaughter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Apr 2019

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Time Traveler for manslaughter

The first known use of manslaughter was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for manslaughter

manslaughter

noun

English Language Learners Definition of manslaughter

law : the crime of killing a person without intending to do so

See the full definition for manslaughter in the English Language Learners Dictionary

manslaughter

noun

man·slaugh·ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər

Kids Definition of manslaughter

: the unintentional but unlawful killing of a person

manslaughter

noun

man·slaugh·ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər

Medical Definition of manslaughter

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

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manslaughter

noun

man·slaugh·ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər

Legal Definition of manslaughter

: 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.