Murdered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

At #6,770 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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