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

After several weeks of deliberations, both juries were still divided over whether Erik and Lyle should be convicted of murder or of manslaughter, CBS News reported, and both trials ended in mistrials. —Jessica Sager, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024

Pearl Jam touring member and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer pled not guilty today (Sept. 26) to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Sep. 2024

Today, Klinghoffer was arraigned in Alhambra on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 26 Sep. 2024

Murphy believes if the trial was held today, the brothers may have gotten a lesser charge of manslaughter and a lighter sentence. —Marc Malkin, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing 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.