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

And no, hating Zionism and this murderous thief is not hating Jews. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Based on the play by Kat Sandler, who serves as writer and showrunner, Yaga reimages the witch, who is known to live in a hut on chicken legs and potentially is a murderous seductress or powerful enchantress, depending on the author of the tale. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 25 July 2026

Pax, the glamorous international operators who’ve flocked to fill the waters of the Nile with swanky boats as the allure of channeling your inner, slightly less murderous Agatha Christie grow stronger than ever. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

If, say, Sydney Sweeney was cast in the role, they’d be driven to murderous violence. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 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