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

According to jail records previously reviewed by PEOPLE, Guerrero, 27, faces a total of 12 charges, including one count of manslaughter and one for collision involving death. —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

Chad Burrell, 34, and Isaiah Story, 21, in December pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Roberts’ death. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024

He was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of manslaughter in January and pleaded not guilty. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024

Jennifer Crumbley grilled by prosecutors over extramarital affairs in 2nd day on stand in manslaughter trial The shooting occurred that afternoon. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2024

But the manslaughter charges against the Crumbleys were unique, and legal experts said their trials could serve as a playbook for other prosecutors who seek to hold parents accountable in the future. —Anna Betts, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Michael Major, 40, pleaded guilty to two voluntary manslaughter counts for the May 8, 2022, killings of Edward Robbins, 36, and Jeffrey Moore, 34, both of San Diego. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024

Read was initially charged with manslaughter, but the charge was upgraded to second-degree murder. —Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

Deputies arrested the 83-year-old woman's son, Derek Cheney, on charges of manslaughter. —The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 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.