What does regicidal mean?
Regicidal is an adjective describing something connected with the killing of a king. It can characterize an act, motive, plan, ambition, or person involved in a regicide. The term is strongly pejorative and is used chiefly in formal historical, literary, and political discussion rather than everyday conversation. Regicidal language and imagery draw on the long-standing association between tyranny, legitimacy, and the death of a ruler: Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the most familiar literary example of regicidal ambition. Because the word is precise rather than merely destructive, it is especially useful in discussions that distinguish the killing of a monarch from homicide generally or from legitimate resistance to tyranny. The related noun regicide denotes the act itself, while regicidal provides the corresponding description, making the pair useful in precise historical and literary analysis.
adjectiveOf or relating to the killing of a king; specifically, characterized by or intended to bring about regicide.
- Relating to or characterized by the killing of a king.
"The regicidal ambition of the usurper drove the entire tragedy."
"The council condemned the regicidal scheme as an assault on the Crown."
"Her novel explores the psychological consequences of regicidal ambition."
Shakespeare made regicidal ambition one of literature’s most enduring warnings in Macbeth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of regicidal
Regicidal was formed in English by adding the adjectival suffix -al to regicide. Regicide is built from the Latin rex (“king”), its genitive regis, and caedere (“to kill”). The same Latin royal root also underlies cognates such as regal, regency, and royal.
Related word forms
How regicidal is actually used
Formal, literary, and strongly pejorative. It is chiefly used in historical, political, and literary contexts and is uncommon in everyday speech.
Easily confused with regicidal
Regicide is the noun naming the act of killing a king, whereas regicidal is the adjective describing such an act, motive, or intention.