ver·bi·cide \-bəˌsīd\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin verbi- (from verbum word) + English -cide 1.: deliberate distortion or destruction of the sense of a word (as in punning) < raises the humor above the exasperation of sheer verbicide — P.E.More > 2.: one who distorts or destroys the sense of a word < is not a true humorist but a dull verbicide >