Definition

1. Noun:
   • An act of deliberate self-destruction; suicide. This is the legal or formal term for the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
   • A person who kills himself intentionally. This refers to the individual who has committed the act of suicide.

Usage

• The term is an archaic legal term derived from Latin. It is rarely used in modern everyday English and is considered formal, historical, or technical. In contemporary language, the words "suicide" (for the act) and "suicide victim" or "person who died by suicide" (for the person) are standard.

Examples

• Noun (Act):
  • The old law considered felo-de-se a crime, which had consequences for the deceased's estate.
  • The coroner's report recorded a verdict of felo-de-se.
• Noun (Person):
  • Under ancient common law, a felo-de-se could not be buried in consecrated ground.
  • The court discussed the legal implications of the deceased being declared a felo-de-se.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily found in historical texts, legal history, or discussions of archaic statutes. Its use today is almost exclusively to reference outdated laws or attitudes regarding suicide.

Variants and Related Words

• Suicide (n.): The modern, standard term for the act of intentionally ending one's own life.
• Self-destruction (n.): A broader term that can include suicide but also refers to other behaviors that harm oneself.
• Self-murder (n.): An older, now uncommon synonym for suicide.

Synonyms

• For the act: suicide, self-murder (archaic), self-destruction.
• For the person: suicide victim, person who died by suicide.

Notes on Usage

• Due to its archaic and clinical nature, is not appropriate for general conversation about suicide. Modern, sensitive language focuses on the person and avoids stigmatizing terms.

Noun

1. an act of deliberate self destruction
2. a person who kills himself intentionally