murderous

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

Synonyms of murderous

• 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

This despite its violent, heroic left-leaning revolutionaries and a cabal of right-wing racists with unapologetically murderous intentions. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026

Except… there’s no indication Martin is repenting for his murderous vigilante rampage. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 June 2026

How dare the film depict God as female, and as murderous? —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Paula is on a path by the end of the second episode where there is a murderous person following her who has some abstract clues. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026

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