Killing
Killing
Killing (/ˈkɪlɪŋ/), from the Old English cyllan, meaning "to strike down", is the act of causing the death of a living organism, typically another individual of the same species. It is a term used in a variety of contexts, including law, warfare, and biology.
Etymology
The term "killing" originates from the Old English cyllan, which means "to strike down". It is related to the Old Norse kolla, "to hit, knock down", and the German küllen, "to kill, slaughter". The term has been in use since the 14th century.
Related Terms
- Homicide: The act of one human killing another.
- Euthanasia: The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
- Carnivore: An organism that primarily obtains energy by consuming other organisms.
- Predation: A biological interaction where a predator (an organism that is hunting) feeds on its prey (the organism that is attacked).
- War: A state of armed conflict between different groups or states or nations.
- Capital punishment: The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.
Legal Context
In legal terms, a killing becomes a crime when it is not justified by law. The act of killing can be classified into various types, such as murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide, depending on the circumstances and intent of the person who causes the death.
Biological Context
In biology, killing refers to the act of one organism causing the death of another. This can occur as a result of predation, where one organism (the predator) hunts and kills another (the prey) for food. It can also occur as a result of competition for resources, or as a defensive mechanism against threats.
Warfare Context
In the context of warfare, killing refers to the act of causing the death of an enemy combatant. This can occur through direct combat, or indirectly through actions such as bombing or the use of chemical weapons.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Killing
- Wikipedia's article - Killing
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