Murderer: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to someone who has unlawfully killed another person. It is a general term and can be used in most contexts where one person has intentionally taken another's life.

• The police captured the murderer after a month-long investigation.
• She was devastated when she found out her brother had been killed by a murderer.

Use when referring to someone or something that kills, without defining whether the act was lawful or unlawful. It can also refer to non-human agents like animals or diseases.

• The serial killer was finally arrested after terrorizing the city for years.
• Sharks are often portrayed as ruthless killers, but they rarely attack humans.

Use when referring to someone who kills a prominent figure, usually for political or ideological reasons. This term is often used in historical or high-profile contexts.

• The president was killed by an assassin during his public speech.
• Historians still debate whether the assassin acted alone.

Use to describe the act of one person killing another. It can be either unlawful (murder) or lawful (self-defense). It is a neutral, legal term often used in police reports and legal contexts.

• The case was classified as a homicide after the forensic evidence was examined.
• Police are investigating the incident as a potential homicide.

Use when referring to someone who kills, often in a dramatic or heroic context. This term is less common and can sound archaic. It's often used in fantasy literature or fiction.

• The dragon slayer saved the village from the terrifying beast.
• In medieval tales, a slayer would often be celebrated for their bravery.

Used specifically when referring to someone who has unlawfully killed another person. This term is generally used in legal contexts or to describe someone who has committed the act of murder.

• The police finally caught the murderer after a year-long investigation.
• The murderer was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Typically used in literary, film, or storytelling contexts to describe a character who opposes the protagonist and engages in evil behavior. This term has a more dramatic connotation and is not usually used in legal contexts.

• The villain in the movie plotted to take over the world.
• In many fairy tales, the villain is often defeated by the hero.

A more general term for someone who has committed any kind of crime, not necessarily murder. This term can be used in everyday conversation or in legal contexts.

• The criminal was arrested for stealing cars.
• She never imagined her neighbor could be a criminal.

Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone who has committed any wrongdoing or crime. This term is neutral and less emotionally charged compared to 'murderer' or 'criminal'.

• The perpetrator of the hack was identified by the cybersecurity team.
• Authorities are searching for the perpetrator of the bank robbery.