murderous

1 of 2

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmər-d(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: having the purpose or capability of murder

a murderous machine gun

b

: characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed

a murderous dictator

2

: having the ability or power to overwhelm : devastating

murderous heat

murderously adverb

murderousness noun

murderousness

2 of 2

noun

mur·​der·​ous·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being murderous

Synonyms of murderous

Adjective

• oppressive
• harsh
• searing
• brutal
• tough
• severe
• rough
• cruel
• hard
• grim
• inhuman

Examples of murderous in a Sentence

Adjective

I can't stand this murderous heat.

The lead runner set a murderous pace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For decades, the prevailing story of the Manson murders held that Charles Manson masterminded a murderous plot to ignite a race war inspired by the Beatles. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Nevertheless, 2022’s Scream, revs the engine of the Scream 4, then hauls it in overdrive when more murderous mayhem storms through Woodsboro. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026

For months, online ads have been peppering audiences with glimpses of Buddy, a ’90s children’s TV unicorn who turns creepy and murderous in what IndieWire called way back at Sundance the first great Midnight Movie of 2026. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026

Then came Hamas’ murderous invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, and the even more murderous Israeli invasion of Gaza, which triggered protests and encampments on college campuses from Mexico to Australia. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

murderous

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmərd-(ə-)rəs 

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