Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of killing one's own mother: This is the primary meaning, referring specifically to the crime or act itself.
   • A person who kills their own mother: This meaning refers to the individual who commits the act.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Act):

  • The ancient myth explored the themes of matricide and revenge.
  • He was charged with matricide after a lengthy investigation.

• Noun (Person):

  • In the play, the protagonist becomes a matricide, driven by a complex prophecy.
  • The court sought to understand the psychology of the matricide.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Legal and Psychological Context: The term is used almost exclusively in formal, legal, psychological, or literary contexts to describe this specific, grave act. It carries heavy moral and emotional weight.
• Distinction from Similar Terms: It is distinct from patricide (killing one's father) and fratricide (killing one's sibling).

Variants and Related Words

• Matricidal (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of matricide.
  • He exhibited matricidal tendencies in his writings.

Synonyms

• For the act: mother-killing (less formal).
• For the person: mother-killer (less formal).

Antonyms

• There are no direct antonyms, but concepts like filial piety or motherly love represent opposite ideals.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• While not a phrasal verb, the term is often part of phrases like "commit matricide" or "be guilty of matricide."
  • The character was fated to commit matricide.

Noun

1. the murder of your mother
2. a person who murders their mother