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

• bitter
• brutal
• burdensome
• cruel
• excruciating
• grievous
• grim
• hard
• hardhanded
• harsh
• heavy
• inhuman
• onerous
• oppressive
• rough
• rugged
• searing
• severe
• stiff
• tough
• trying

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

Min-chan’s murderous actions eventually lead to Yang-rae’s death, but not right away. —Kayti Burt, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

My parents fled a murderous, theocratic regime in Iran during the 1979 revolution, and this country welcomed them and gave us the opportunity at the American Dream. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

This fun sci-fi horror comedy that suggests the tactic of remaining drunk to survive an alien creature's murderous menace is the perfect way to indulge in St. Patrick's Day while tipping back a pint or two. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025

After executing an elaborate, murderous plot with help from fellow escaped inmates, Duerson finally forces a terrified Sofia to the altar, where a kidnapped priest is on hand to officiate. —EW.com, 16 Mar. 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