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

Many Iranians, both inside of Iran and in the international diaspora, adamantly support the efforts of the United States and Israel to defang the Iranian regime and topple its murderous leadership. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 5 Apr. 2026

In the horror sequel, Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail return to face new foes as well the old murderous animatronic animals of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

The role of the murderous kid is shared by 11-year-old Catharina Araujo of Glencoe and 12-year-old Olivia Mulder of Round Lake Beach. —Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

An account of life in Berlin from 1939 to 1945 under a murderous regime. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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