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

This cult classic tells the tale of a serial killer (Scott MacDonald) who is transformed into a murderous snowman when his prison transport collides with a genetics truck full of experimental lab acid. —Huntley Woods, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Get Into the Holiday Spirit by Watching Mariah Carey Bake Christmas Cookies Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood might just be the ultimate revenge movie—and not just because one of the main characters (Brad Pitt) ultimately axes a trio of murderous hippies. —Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

After winning the top unscripted prize at the Emmys this fall, Peacock’s murderous reality series The Traitors teases its third season, which premieres Jan. 9. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024

His trial was the first to have anonymous jurors who were enclosed by bulletproof glass during the proceedings, a measure taken due to Edmond III’s seemingly murderous reputation. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Dec. 2024

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