honor killing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium frequency in general discourse; high frequency in specific journalistic and academic contexts (e.g., human rights, sociology, criminology).Formal, academic, journalistic. Not used in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “honor killing” mean?
The killing of a relative, usually a woman or girl, by one or more family members who believe the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The killing of a relative, usually a woman or girl, by one or more family members who believe the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family.
A culturally or religiously motivated murder, often justified by perpetrators as a means to restore family or community honour after perceived moral transgressions, such as premarital relationships, refusal of an arranged marriage, adultery, or seeking divorce.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primary difference is spelling: UK 'honour killing', US 'honor killing'. No significant difference in meaning or application.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in relevant contexts (news, academia).
Grammar
How to Use “honor killing” in a Sentence
The family committed an honor killing.She was a victim of an honor killing.The court is trying a case related to an honor killing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “honor killing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community was shocked that a family would commit an honour killing.
- Authorities work to prevent families from carrying out honour killings.
American English
- The documentary explored why some families resort to honor killing.
- Legislation was passed to prosecute honor killing as a distinct crime.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. The term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. The term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The honour-killing case sparked national debate.
- They studied honour-killing motivations.
American English
- The honor-killing trial received intense media coverage.
- An honor-killing motive was alleged by the prosecution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports on human rights.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, gender studies, criminology, and human rights literature.
Everyday
Very rare in casual talk. Likely only in discussions of news events.
Technical
Used as a specific term in legal, human rights, and criminology reports and frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “honor killing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “honor killing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “honor killing”
- Misspelling: 'honorable killing' (this changes meaning).
- Using it as a verb: 'They honored killed her.' (Incorrect). Use 'carried out an honor killing.'
- Over-applying the term to any family-related murder.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is not tied to one religion. It is associated with specific patriarchal cultural codes and traditions found in various regions and communities across multiple religions.
An honor killing is motivated by perceived shame or dishonour to the family's reputation. A dowry death is a murder or suicide of a married woman driven by disputes over the dowry payment to her husband's family.
Yes, though statistically far less common. Men can be targeted for reasons such as perceived homosexuality, relationships outside the community, or refusing to participate in an honor killing.
Using quotes (or 'so-called') distances the writer from accepting the perpetrators' justification. It highlights that the killing is not truly honourable, but is motivated by a distorted concept of honour.
The killing of a relative, usually a woman or girl, by one or more family members who believe the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family.
Honor killing is usually formal, academic, journalistic. not used in casual conversation. in register.
Honor killing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒnə ˌkɪlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːnɚ ˌkɪlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the name of honour (e.g., 'killed in the name of honour')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Honor' is meant to be positive, but here it's tragically twisted. Imagine a family's twisted 'honour' trophy being a killing.
Conceptual Metaphor
HONOUR IS A PURITY THAT CAN BE CONTAMINATED / SHAME IS A STAIN THAT CAN BE WASHED AWAY (with blood).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'honor killing' MOST appropriately used?