1.
letting someone die; abandoning someone to their fate
The act of watching someone suffer or die without intervening, despite being able to help. Also used figuratively for abandoning someone in difficulty or letting a situation deteriorate without acting.
仲間を見殺しにはできない。
I can't just leave my friends to die.
困っている人を見殺しにするのか。
Are you going to just stand by and let someone in trouble suffer?
国際社会は難民を見殺しにしてはならないと訴えた。
She appealed that the international community must not abandon the refugees to their fate.
Almost always used in the pattern 見殺しにする (to abandon someone to their fate). Carries a strong moral accusation — it implies the person could have helped but chose not to.
PATTERN:
- ～を見殺しにする (to let ~ die/suffer without helping)
- ～を見殺しにはできない (can't just abandon ~)
The figurative use is common in political and social commentary, where 見殺し does not literally mean death but rather neglecting people in need.