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

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

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 original perpetrators are the murderous Hamas, but the challenge is beyond the antisemitism that has always existed. —Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

While the murderous struggle is hard to hear in the video, the barking continued for several minutes and is unmistakable. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Murphy confirmed to Variety in a profile of Hunnam that the season will also focus on other murderous women throughout history. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025

These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 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