# infanticide

/ˌɪnˈfæntəˌsaɪd/ (US) · /ɪnfˈɑːntɪsˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/infanticide
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

murder, killing

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.