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Question

Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

The killing of a husband by his wife.

The correct answer is

Mariticide

Understanding Different Types of Killing (-cide Words)

The question asks for a specific term describing the killing of a husband by his wife. Many words in English ending with the suffix '-cide' refer to the act of killing someone, often a specific person or type of person related to the killer.

Let's examine the meaning of each option provided:

  • Regicide: This term refers to the killing of a king. The prefix 'regi-' comes from the Latin word 'rex', meaning king. So, Regicide is the killing of a sovereign.
  • Uxoricide: This term refers to the killing of one's wife. The prefix 'uxori-' comes from the Latin word 'uxor', meaning wife. Uxoricide is specifically a husband killing his wife.
  • Matricide: This term refers to the killing of one's mother. The prefix 'matri-' comes from the Latin word 'mater', meaning mother. Matricide is the killing of one's own mother.
  • Mariticide: This term refers to the killing of one's husband. The prefix 'mariti-' comes from the Latin word 'maritus', meaning husband. Mariticide is specifically a wife killing her husband.

Comparing the definitions with the question "The killing of a husband by his wife", we can see which term precisely matches this description.

Mariticide directly describes the act where a wife is the killer and her husband is the victim.

Summary of Homicide Terms

To help distinguish between these terms, here is a brief summary:

Term Meaning Victim Relationship
Regicide Killing of a sovereign King or Queen Ruler
Uxoricide Killing of one's wife Wife Spouse (Victim is Wife)
Matricide Killing of one's mother Mother Parent (Victim is Mother)
Mariticide Killing of one's husband Husband Spouse (Victim is Husband)

Based on the definitions, the word that means the killing of a husband by his wife is Mariticide.

Revision Table: Common "-cide" Words

Term Meaning
Homicide Killing of a human being by another human being
Genocide Killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation
Suicide Act of intentionally causing one's own death
Femicide Killing of a woman or girl
Infanticide Killing of an infant
Filicide Killing of one's son or daughter
Parricide Killing of a parent or other near relative (often includes matricide and fratricide/sororicide)
Fratricide Killing of one's brother or sister
Sororicide Killing of one's sister
Patricide Killing of one's father

Additional Information on Homicide Terms

Understanding the roots of these words can help remember their meanings. Many come from Latin. For example:

  • 'Mater' (mother) → Matricide
  • 'Pater' (father) → Patricide
  • 'Frater' (brother) → Fratricide
  • 'Soror' (sister) → Sororicide
  • 'Filius' (son) / 'Filia' (daughter) → Filicide
  • 'Uxor' (wife) → Uxoricide
  • 'Maritus' (husband) → Mariticide
  • 'Rex' (king) / 'Regina' (queen) → Regicide

While homicide is the general term for one human killing another, these specific '-cide' terms denote the victim's relationship to the killer, providing more precise descriptions of the act.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    A glass container to keep fish

  2. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.

  3. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A place where plants are grown for sale

  4. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

    Open refusal to obey orders

  5. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A doctor who specializes in heart diseases

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