Infanticide Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈfæntɪsaɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of killing an infant, typically within the first year of life, often due to cultural, social, or economic factors.

Examples

• Infanticide has been practiced throughout history in various cultures for different reasons.
• The organization works to prevent infanticide by providing support to new mothers.

Synonyms

• Neonaticide
• Child murder

Antonyms

• Infant care
• Child protection

Additional Information

Infanticide has been a part of human history, with various cultures and societies practicing it for different reasons, including economic hardship, cultural or social norms, and superstition. In some cultures, infanticide was seen as a means of population control or a way to eliminate children with disabilities. However, in modern times, infanticide is widely considered a serious human rights violation and a form of violence against children.

Infanticide can take many forms, including active killing, neglect, or abandonment. It is often linked to poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social isolation. Efforts to prevent infanticide focus on providing support to new mothers, improving access to healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Infanticide is a complex and sensitive topic, and its discussion often raises difficult questions about morality, ethics, and human rights. However, it is essential to address this issue to ensure the protection and well-being of all children.

Etymology

The word “infanticide” comes from the Latin words “infans,” meaning “child,” and “caedere,” meaning “to kill.”

Usage Notes

When using the word “infanticide,” it is essential to be sensitive to the context and audience. The term can be emotionally charged, and its use may be perceived as judgmental or accusatory. It is crucial to approach the topic with respect and empathy, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the various factors that contribute to it.

Cultural References

Infanticide has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and art. Examples include the ancient Greek myth of Medea, who kills her children in revenge against her husband, and the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, which explores a dystopian society where infanticide is a common practice.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” meaning to reject something entirely, including its valuable or desirable parts.

Related Words or Phrases

• Child abuse
• Child neglect
• Maternal mortality

Collocations

• Infanticide rate
• Infanticide prevention
• Infanticide statistics

Frequency of Use

The word “infanticide” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is frequently used in academic, medical, and human rights contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Infantacide
• Infantaside
• Infantycide