manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: 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

Late Friday afternoon, the prosecution asked the judge to dismiss the more serious charge of second-degree manslaughter, which the jury said they were deadlocked on. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Neely pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024

Penny, a 26-year-old former Marine, was facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Penny’s trial revolves around an altercation on the New York City subway in May of 2023 that was recorded and later went viral, leading to Penny being charged with the manslaughter of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black homeless man and former street performer, after a six-minute-long chokehold. —Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the slaying of a human being

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

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: 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.