WordGarden.iomurderous
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɜːdərəs/
US
- /ˈmɜrdərəs/
Meanings
Adjective
intending, committing, or marked by murder or deadly violence
extremely harsh, dangerous, or exhausting
Beyond the definition
"Murderous" usually describes a person, feeling, or action connected with killing or the wish to kill. A murderous attacker wants to kill. A murderous rage is so strong and violent that it could lead to killing. The word can also be used more loosely for something extremely dangerous or harsh, such as a murderous storm or a murderous pace, when it feels as if it could destroy lives or break a person down.
It is a strong word, much darker than simply "angry" or "violent." It suggests deadly intent, or at least a level of danger that feels close to death. In stories and dramatic writing, it is often used to give a scene a sense of fear, threat, and brutal force.
The word "murderous" brings to mind killing, and that is still its clearest meaning. It can describe a person who wants to kill, an action meant to kill, or a feeling so violent that it seems ready to turn deadly. A murderous attack, a murderous plan, or murderous intent all point directly to the idea of killing.
But the word also reaches beyond literal crime. English speakers often use it for things that are not alive but feel deadly in their effect. A murderous storm, murderous heat, murderous currents, or a murderous pace in a race all suggest something so dangerous, harsh, or intense that it could cause death or serious harm. In these cases, the word is figurative, but the feeling is still extreme.
It can also describe emotion and expression. A murderous rage is not just anger; it is anger that feels close to killing. A murderous look or murderous glare suggests deep hatred and a threat of violence, even if no attack follows. In stories, news reports, and dramatic writing, the word helps create a dark mood and a clear sense of danger.
Overall, "murderous" is a very strong adjective for deadly intent, deadly violence, or anything that seems frighteningly destructive. Whether it is used literally or figuratively, it always carries the sense that death, severe harm, or brutal force is near.
Examples
- 1
Violent crime
Police said the victim died in a murderous attack outside the station.
- 2
Rage
He smashed the door in a murderous rage.
- 3
Angry look
She gave him a murderous look when he laughed at her mistake.
- Phrasea murderous look
a very angry look
- 4
Dictator
The army was led by a murderous dictator who crushed anyone who opposed him.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Extreme pace
The runners set a murderous pace from the start.
- Phrasea murderous pace
a pace that is extremely hard to keep up with
- 6
Extreme heat
By noon, the heat in the kitchen was murderous.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- murderous intent
- murderous rage
- murderous attack
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- murderousadjective