Word
infanticide
Phoneticsin·fan·ti·cide, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈfæntəˌsaɪd/
UK/ɪnfˈɑːntɪsˌaɪd/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the killing of a very young baby on purpose. The law treats it as a serious crime, and scientists also use the word when animals kill newborns.
n. deliberate killing of a newborn infant, typically within the first year of life. Extends in zoology to killing of newborn offspring by adult animals, often for reproductive or competitive reasons.
Examples
“Infanticide is a serious crime in every country.”
“The court charges the parents with infanticide after the death of their newborn baby.”
“Historians note that infanticide during famine often reflected desperation rather than cruelty, a fact that complicates modern moral judgments of the practice.”
Examples
simple
“Infanticide is a serious crime in every country.”
contextual
“The court charges the parents with infanticide after the death of their newborn baby.”
complex
“Historians note that infanticide during famine often reflected desperation rather than cruelty, a fact that complicates modern moral judgments of the practice.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “infanticide” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of infanticide
“She was falsely accused of infanticide after the stillbirth.”
verb + prep + noun
02. commit infanticide
“Evidence showed she had committed infanticide while suffering severe psychosis.”
verb + noun
03. condemn infanticide
“Religious leaders unanimously condemned infanticide as morally indefensible.”
verb + noun
04. convict of infanticide
“He was convicted of infanticide and sentenced to life imprisonment.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. alleged infanticide
“The nurse was suspended pending inquiry into the alleged infanticide.”
adj + noun
06. female infanticide
“Campaigners highlighted female infanticide as a tragic consequence of son preference.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. act of infanticide
“The court described the act of infanticide as both tragic and criminal.”
noun + prep + noun
08. case of infanticide
“Each reported case of infanticide triggers a full criminal inquiry.”
noun + prep + noun
09. history of infanticide
“The novel explores the long history of infanticide in the region.”
noun + prep + noun
10. incidence of infanticide
“Better birth registration has reduced the incidence of infanticide.”
noun + prep + noun
11. be charged with infanticide
“The woman was charged with infanticide after the newborn's death.”
12. be convicted of infanticide
“She was convicted of infanticide and ordered to receive psychiatric treatment.”
Real-World Examples
“Despite being illegal, female infanticide and feticide remain widespread in India, where there is a cultural preference for sons, who are viewed as financial providers, while families face significant expenses in the form of dowries to marry their daughters.” Etymology
From French infanticide, from Latin īnfanticīdium. By surface analysis, infant + -i- + -cide.
From French infanticide, from Latin īnfanticīda. By surface analysis, infant + -i- + -cide.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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