Murdered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
murdered
[หmษr.dษrd ]
Definition
past tense
Murdered is the simple past tense of the verb 'murder', which means to unlawfully kill a human being with intent to do so. This term carries legal connotations and is used in various contexts, including criminal law and discussions of violent acts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was murdered in cold blood.
- The victim was murdered by an unknown assailant.
- She was found murdered in her apartment.
- They were murdered during the violent conflict.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Criminal Justice
- Murder can be classified into degrees; for example, first-degree murder typically involves premeditation.
- Many states have adopted 'Stand Your Ground' laws that can impact murder charges in self-defense cases.
- Murder cases often rely on forensic evidence, which can include DNA and ballistics, to solve crimes.
Literature
- Murder is a frequent theme in literature, with classic works like 'Macbeth' reflecting on the psychological impact of killing.
- Detective novels often revolve around murder mysteries, engaging readers in solving the crime alongside the protagonist.
- This topic has been explored in various genres, ranging from horror to romantic tales, as a means of exploring human nature.
Pop Culture
- Murder has been a prominent theme in films and television series, from 'True Detective' to 'Murder, She Wrote,' reflecting society's fascination with crime.
- Popular murder mystery games, like 'Clue,' invite players to determine the perpetrator in a fun and engaging way.
- True crime podcasts have gained popularity, illustrating real-life murder cases and the investigative process behind them.
Psychology
- Psychological profiling in murder investigations aims to understand the mindset of the perpetrator, identifying patterns and motivations.
- Research indicates that factors such as environment, mental health, and personal history can contribute to the likelihood of violent behavior.
- The phenomenon of 'murder-suicide' highlights complex psychological factors, where an individual commits murder followed by their own death.
Origin of 'murdered'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Old English 'morthor,' which means 'to kill unlawfully,' linked to the German word 'Mord.'
- Historically, the term has evolved in meaning, expanding from any kind of killing to specifically unlawful killing.
- The legal definition varies by jurisdiction, with different terms used to describe degrees of unlawful killing.
The word 'murder' comes from the Old English term 'morthor', which meant 'secret killing' and is derived from the Proto-Germanic *murรพrฤ , meaning 'deadly act or killing'. The word has evolved through Middle English as 'murdrie' to its current form. Historically, murder has been viewed differently across cultures, with specific legal and social consequences usually tied to the unlawful taking of a life. Over time, the concept of murder has expanded to include various degrees and motives, reflecting a society's evolving understanding of morality and justice.