1 manslaughter | Definition of manslaughter

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio) \

Definition of manslaughter

: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency also cited criminal statutes, including aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person or disabled adult and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult. Jeff Weiner, orlandosentinel.com, "Ex-guardian Rebecca Fierle violated laws in handling of ward who died, state agency concludes," 29 Aug. 2019 That’s the scenario presented in a 111-page state report that led to manslaughter charges being filed Tuesday against four of the center’s workers, including its administrator. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, "'Absolute nightmare': 4 former Florida nursing home staffers charged in 12 Hurricane Irma deaths," 29 Aug. 2019 Each man was charged with 12 counts of aggravated manslaughter, one for each of the victims. al, "Florida nursing home employees charged in 12 Hurricane Irma deaths," 27 Aug. 2019 Althia Meggie, a registered nurse, faces two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of tampering with evidence in connection with patient medical records. Susan Scutti, CNN, "More arrests expected in 12 deaths at Florida nursing home, police say," 27 Aug. 2019 Each man was charged with 12 counts of aggravated manslaughter, one for each of the victims. Mark Berman, Washington Post, "Florida nursing home employees charged with manslaughter for deaths of 12 in sweltering facility," 27 Aug. 2019 Meggie was granted $17,000 bail on two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of evidence tampering. CBS News, "More arrests likely in investigation of Florida nursing home deaths, police say," 27 Aug. 2019 Maryland’s top lawyer says local prosecutors should consider manslaughter charges for more dealers and suppliers whose drugs cause fatal overdoses after the state’s highest court has swept away legal doubts. Phil Davis, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland Attorney General wants more drug dealers charged with manslaughter after some fatal overdoses," 16 Aug. 2019 Camden County’s prosecutor announced Monday that Amanda Ramirez, 27, is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of her sister, Anna. Janelle Griffith, NBC News, "N.J. woman accused of stabbing identical twin sister to death," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'manslaughter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of manslaughter

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for manslaughter

manslaughter

noun

English Language Learners Definition of manslaughter

law : the crime of killing a person without intending to do so

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio) \

Kids Definition of manslaughter

: the unintentional but unlawful killing of a person

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio) \

Medical Definition of manslaughter

: the slaying of a human being specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

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manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter | \ ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio) \

Legal Definition of manslaughter

: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice — compare homicide, murder
involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner — see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor — compare felony murder at murder
voluntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.

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