
Fratricide
Literal Meaning
Fratricide means literally killing one's own brother, emphasizing family tragedy.
In ancient dramas, fratricide is a recurring theme signifying ultimate betrayal.
Gender Neutral
Fratricide refers to killing of both brothers and sisters, not just male siblings.
The law reforms categorized both brother and sister killing as fratricide.
Historical Usage
Fratricide is historically associated with power struggles in royalty and mythology.
Cain's fratricide of Abel is one of the earliest stories of such a crime.
Compare with
Parricide
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