Word Root: Cide

Understanding the Word Root ‘Cide’: A Study of Destruction and Killing

The word root ‘CIDE’ is derived from Latin, meaning killing or destruction. This root forms the basis of many English words that denote the act of ending life in various contexts. One pivotal term is ‘genocide,’ combining ‘CIDE’ with the root ‘GENO’/ ‘GEN,’ which means race, kind, family, or birth. Hence, ‘genocide’ refers to the systematic killing of a racial or cultural group, underlining the severe implications of this word root.

Words Based on the Word Root ‘Cide’

Commonly Used Words Based on the Root ‘Cide’

• Homicide: The killing of a human.
• Suicide: The act of killing oneself.
• Fungicide: A substance for destroying fungi.
• Insecticide: A chemical for killing insects.

Archaic Words Based on the Root ‘Cide’

• Regicide: The act of killing a king.
• Tyrannicide: The killing of a tyrant, historically used in political contexts.

Technical Words/Jargon Based on the Root ‘Cide’

• Algicide: A chemical used to kill algae.
• Biocide: A broad term for substances that kill life forms.
• Germicide: An agent that kills germs and bacteria.

Related Word Roots

• Mort-: Derived from the Latin ‘mortis’ meaning death, seen in:
  • Mortal: Subject to death.
  • Mortality: The state of being mortal.
  • Mortuary: A place where dead bodies are kept.
• Necro-: From the Greek ‘nekros’ meaning dead or death, evident in:
  • Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues in the body.
  • Necromancy: A mythical practice of communicating with the dead.
  • Necropolis: A large and elaborate cemetery belonging to an ancient city.