homicide
n.-
1 the act of killing (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Technical Lawthe act of one person killing another person, whether it was planned or an accident.
the killing of one human being by another. This is a broad legal category that includes both intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter.
ExampleThe police are investigating the death as a homicide because of the suspicious injuries.
ExampleThe coroner's report officially classified the cause of death as homicide, though the prosecutor has yet to determine the specific degree of the charge.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun for the general act or a countable noun for a specific case.
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2 police department (n.) C1 Advanced American English Technicalthe special department in a police force that investigates killings.
the division or department within a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating deaths caused by others.
ExampleHe spent ten years working in homicide before being promoted to captain.
ExampleDetectives from homicide arrived at the crime scene within minutes to secure the perimeter and begin their preliminary investigation.
UsageUsually functions as an uncountable noun or a modifier, as in 'homicide detective'.
- homicide squad
- homicide unit
From Old French homicide, from Latin homicīda (“man-slayer”) and homicīdium (“manslaughter”).
- Nounhomicide
- Adjectivehomicidal