Meaning & Definition of word "Murder"

Murder

/ˈmɜːrdər/

noun:

  • 1. The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
    • Example: The crime of murder carries severe penalties in most legal systems.
  • 2. An act of killing that is particularly brutal or shocking.
    • Example: The movie depicted a gruesome murder that left the audience in disbelief.
  • 3. A very difficult or unpleasant situation.
    • Example: The exam was a real murder, and many students struggled to pass.

verb:

  • 1. To unlawfully kill a human being with intent to cause death or serious injury.
    • Example: The detective believed that the suspect had murdered the victim in cold blood.
  • 2. To ruin or spoil something.
    • Example: He really murdered the cake by adding too much salt instead of sugar.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'moryð' meaning 'to kill, destroy'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

murder mystery:

A story or game in which a murder must be solved.

murder will out:

A proverb suggesting that the truth will eventually be revealed.

murderer's row:

A term denoting a group of exceptionally skilled individuals.

Related Words

manslaughter:

The unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought.

assassin:

A person who commits murder for political or monetary gain.

homicide:

The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another.

Slang Meanings of murder

Meaning: To thoroughly defeat or overwhelm someone.

Example Sentence: We murdered the competition this season!

Meaning: To do something extremely well.

Example Sentence: She murdered that performance last night!