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

If convicted, Penny is facing up to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter charge and up to four years for the negligent homicide charge. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

The video was played at the trial of Penny, who is charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide in the May 1, 2023, death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless Black man who some witnesses say was acting erratically on a subway car. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Alejandro Valencia-Torres Jr., 28, pleaded no contest to a vehicular manslaughter charge, in exchange for prosecutors dropping murder, drunk driving and hit-and-run counts against him. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024

Although a mistrial was declared in June 2024 on one of those charges, clues continue to emerge, and a trial on the voluntary manslaughter charge lies ahead. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Nov. 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.