murderous

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmər-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce murderous (audio)
1
a
: having the purpose or capability of murder
b
: characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed
2
: having the ability or power to overwhelm : devastating
murderous heat
murderously adverb
murderousness noun

Examples of murderous in a Sentence

I can't stand this murderous heat. The lead runner set a murderous pace.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, there are at least a few memorable set-pieces, most notably a funeral interrupted by the deceased’s rejuvenated, murderous mom who subsequently climbs into the coffin for one combustible family reunion. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 June 2025 The hotly anticipated and buzzy continuation of the preeminently popular dystopian YA series follows 2023’s entry The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, led by Rachel Zegler in a prequel that told the story of the 10th edition of the murderous arena. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 7 June 2025 O’Hara presents a modern-day vision that questions whether Hamlet is a tragic hero or a murderous psychopath. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 The logline is being kept under tight wraps. Ready or Not starred Weaving as a bride who learns of her new family’s wedding night ritual where a murderous game is played, all to appease an ancient family deal with the devil. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for murderous

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of murderous was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Murderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murderous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

murderous

adjective
mur·​der·​ous ˈmərd-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce murderous (audio)
1
: intending or capable of causing murder or bloodshed : deadly
murderous machine-gun fire
2
: very difficult to bear or withstand
a murderous glance
murderous heat
murderously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on murderous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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