-cide
suffix
UK/saɪd/US/saɪd/
Denotes an act of killing or a substance used for killing.
Example Sentences
The suffix -cide appears in many words to indicate killing or destruction.
Homicide refers to the killing of one person by another.
Pesticide is a substance used to kill pests, especially insects.
Suicide denotes the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
The term regicide describes the killing of a king or monarch.
Fungicide is a chemical specifically designed to kill fungi.
Words ending in -cide often imply destruction or elimination of a specific target.
In agriculture, the use of herbicides helps control unwanted plants and weeds.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Suffix denoting the act of killing or the agent responsible for it.The suffix '-cide' is used to form nouns that indicate the act of killing or an agent that kills. For example, 'homicide' refers to the killing of a human, 'pesticide' to a substance that kills pests, and 'genocide' to the deliberate killing of a particular group. It often carries a formal or serious tone and is widely used in legal, scientific, and technical contexts. When using '-cide,' pair it with a prefix that identifies the target or the action to provide specific meaning.
Alternatives
Alternatives include phrases like 'killing of' (e.g., 'killing of pests') or 'eliminator' (e.g., 'pest eliminator') in less formal contexts.
Writing
In writing, '-cide' terms are effective for describing specific acts or substances with precision, especially in legal, medical, or scientific documents. Ensure the prefix clearly defines the subject of the killing to maintain clarity and accuracy.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-cide' terms like 'suicide' or 'pesticide' are relatively common and understood. They are usually used straightforwardly to describe actions or substances in everyday discussions.