An honour killing is a murder committed, usually by male family members, against a person-most often a female-who is perceived to have brought dishonor or shame upon the family or community. This act is justified by the perpetrators as a way to restore or preserve the family's honor, which they believe has been tarnished by the victim's behavior or choices

. Typical reasons for honour killings include:

• Refusing to enter into an arranged or forced marriage
• Seeking a divorce or separation, even from an abusive spouse
• Engaging in premarital, extramarital, or postmarital sexual relations
• Having relationships outside accepted social, religious, or caste boundaries
• Dressing or behaving in ways considered inappropriate or immoral by the community
• Being a victim of sexual assault or rape (which can paradoxically be seen as dishonoring the family)
• Homosexuality or other behaviors violating traditional moral codes

While women are the primary victims, men can also be targeted, especially in cases involving perceived inappropriate relationships or homosexuality

. Honour killings are deeply rooted in patriarchal cultural norms where male family members control female sexuality and behavior as a means of maintaining family honor. These killings are prevalent in parts of the Middle East, South Asia (notably India and Pakistan), North Africa, and some diaspora communities worldwide

. International human rights organizations condemn honour killings as a form of femicide and murder, but in some societies, they are still socially tolerated or even encouraged. Legal responses vary, with some countries having laws that allow perpetrators to evade punishment through family pardons or monetary settlements

. In summary, honour killing is a culturally motivated murder intended to punish perceived violations of social or moral codes that are believed to dishonor the family or community