A colorful storybook illustration featuring a large wooden gavel resting on a block. Next to the gavel, two simplified human figures are depicted, linked by a thick, snapped chain, symbolizing the legal concept of homicide.

homicidio

oh-mee-SEE-dee-oh

nounmB2

homicide?The general legal term for killing a person

Also:killing?General term for the act,manslaughter?Often used for unintentional or non-premeditated killing

📝 In Action

La policía investiga si fue un accidente o un caso de homicidio.

The police are investigating whether it was an accident or a case of homicide.

Fue declarado culpable de homicidio involuntario.

He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

El índice de homicidios en la capital ha disminuido en los últimos meses.

The homicide rate in the capital has decreased in recent months.

Word Connections

Synonyms

asesinato (murder (killing with malice/premeditation))
crimen (crime)

Common Collocations

homicidio culposo – negligent homicide / manslaughter
homicidio doloso – intentional homicide / murder
índice de homicidios – homicide rate

💡 Grammar Points

Gender of Nouns

Since 'homicidio' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' before it: 'el homicidio'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Homicidio and Asesinato

Mistake: "Using 'asesinato' when you mean any killing."

Correction: Use 'homicidio' as the general term for killing a person. 'Asesinato' is specifically used for premeditated or cruel killings, which have a stricter legal definition.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This word is most appropriate when discussing legal matters, statistics, or serious news events. For a very informal or emotional discussion, you might hear 'matanza' (killing/slaughter), but 'homicidio' is the correct formal term.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: homicidio

Question 1 of 1

Which word is the most appropriate general term used in a formal police report to describe the killing of a person?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

homicida(killer / perpetrator of homicide) - noun/adjective

matar(to kill) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'homicidio' and 'asesinato'?

'Homicidio' is the general term for a person killing another person. 'Asesinato' (murder) is a specific type of 'homicidio' that involves aggravating factors like planning the crime beforehand (premeditation) or using cruel methods. All 'asesinatos' are 'homicidios', but not all 'homicidios' are 'asesinatos'.