honour killing

Noun

honour killing (plural honour killings)

1. (euphemistic) A typically Middle Eastern and South Asian cultural practice whereby a family member, usually female, is murdered by other family members, the act being justified as retribution for a (usually sexual) slight upon the family's honour.
   • The prevailing patriarchal and misogynist practices prevailing in Muslim countries have created an association between Muslim countries and honour killing in the public mind. However, according to UNICEF, the practice of honour killing is an ancient one and involves men killing female relatives in...2008, Riaz Hassan, Inside Muslim Minds, Melbourne University Press, page 200
   • Such honour killings are justified by quoting Sura 4:15. A man who kills his wife, mother, daughter or sister for sexual indiscretion or for eloping (both acts that are regarded as bringing dishonour to the family) is either lightly fined or immune from prosecution.2009, John Azumah, My Neighbour's Faith: Islam Explained for African Christians, WordAlive Publishers, unnumbered page