Regicide

Noun

Definition: The act of killing a king or ruler.

Synonyms: King-killing, Tyrannicide

Antonyms: -

Examples:

The revolutionaries plotted the regicide to overthrow the monarchy.
The historical account portrayed the regicide as a pivotal moment in the country's history.

Mnemonics:

"Regi" sounds like "regal," which relates to royalty.
"Cide" is derived from the Latin word "caedere," meaning "to kill."

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "regicide" comes from the Latin term "regicidium," which combines "regis" (king) and "caedere" (to kill).

Historical Usage:

The term has been used for centuries to refer to the act of killing a king or ruler, often associated with political upheaval or revolution. Examples of notable regicides include the execution of Charles I of England during the English Civil War in 1649 and the assassination of Louis XVI during the French Revolution in 1793.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None specifically associated with "regicide"

Explanation:

The term itself is quite specific and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions or phrases.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Some people may mistakenly use "regicide" to refer to the act of killing any member of royalty or nobility, rather than specifically a king or ruler.

Explanation:

"Regicide" specifically refers to the killing of a king or ruler, not a broader category of royalty or nobility.