murderous

adjective

mur·​der·​ous ˈmər-d(ə-)rəs 

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

Synonyms

• bitter
• brutal
• burdensome
• cruel
• excruciating
• grievous
• grim
• hard
• hardhanded
• harsh
• heavy
• inhuman
• onerous
• oppressive
• rough
• rugged
• searing
• severe
• stiff
• tough
• trying

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

The White Lotus star has expressed interest in suiting up to play murderous investment banker Patrick Bateman in the new film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' best-selling satirical horror novel American Psycho. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 3 May 2025

That lady is really the aforementioned murderous hag (Meredith Binder), her false veneer of youthful beauty reinforced by a magic mirror’s flattering (if also caustic) topless female spirits, and sustained via grisly methods seemingly inspired by Elizabeth Bathory. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025

Just a fun thing to do with your murderous bestie who drowned her sister! —Emma Specter, Vogue, 2 May 2025

Russell was taken with the idea of the Nazis deploying beautiful items, bordering on kitsch, while pursuing their murderous campaign against the Jews. —Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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