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Fratricidal - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Fratricidal refers to the act of killing one's brother or sister. It can also describe conflicts or actions within a group that cause harm to its own members, often leading to internal destruction.

fratricidal

/ˌfrætrɪˈsaɪdəl/ /ˌfrætrɪˈsaɪdəl/

Definition:

Relating to the killing of one's brother or sister, or conflict within a group.

Synonyms:

brother-killing, internecine, destructive, deadly

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

harmonious, peaceful

Common Collocations:

fratricidal war, fratricidal conflict, fratricidal violence

Derivatives:

fratricide, fratricidally

Usage Tips:

Use "fratricidal" to describe conflicts or actions involving the killing of siblings or internal group destruction.

Common Phrases:

fratricidal strife, fratricidal tendencies, fratricidal feud

Etymology:

From Latin "fratricida," combining "frater" (brother) and "-cida" (killer).

Examples:

  • 1. The civil war turned into a fratricidal struggle among former allies.
  • 2. Fratricidal conflicts often leave deep scars in families and communities.
  • 3. The play depicts a tragic, fratricidal rivalry between two princes.
  • 4. Historians debate whether the uprising was truly revolutionary or merely fratricidal.

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