necare

necare is a Latin verb meaning "to kill" or "to slay". It is a common verb in classical Latin and appears in a wide range of texts, from poetry and prose to historical accounts and legal documents. The verb is derived from the Proto-Italic root *nekāre, which is believed to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root *nek-, meaning "death".

In its most literal sense, necare refers to the act of causing death to a living being. This can include the killing of humans, animals, or even plants. For example, in Virgil's Aeneid, the verb is used to describe the slaughter of warriors in battle. Similarly, in Ovid's Metamorphoses, it is used to describe the death of animals.

Beyond its literal meaning, necare can also be used metaphorically to describe the destruction or ruin of something. For instance, it can be used to describe the destruction of a city, the ruin of a reputation, or the death of a hope. In Cicero's orations, the verb is used to describe the destruction of the Roman Republic.

The verb necare has several related forms and derivatives in Latin. For example, the noun necatio means "killing" or "slaughter", while the adjective necandus means "to be killed". The verb also forms the basis of several English words, such as "necropsy" (a post-mortem examination) and "necropolis" (a city of the dead). Understanding the nuances of necare provides insight into ancient Roman concepts of death, violence, and destruction.