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

Macbeth, also an unstable Scottish king, blames the witches for the ills caused by his own murderous decisions. —Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

With the help of an unpredictable assassin named Louie (Butler, who also plays the Pope), the pair embark on a dark and murderous journey to steal and authenticate the priceless work. —Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025

Yet the murderous rampage has the strange consequence of leaving him with a mysterious gift, as Ramón’s body develops magnetic powers. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

After decades of tyranny, Assad’s murderous regime fell in December 2024, turning Middle East geopolitics upside down. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 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