Murderer: meaning, definitions and examples

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murderer

[ˈmɜːrdərər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal activity

A murderer is a person who unlawfully kills another person, often with premeditation or malice aforethought. Murderers are typically convicted and sentenced to prison or death penalty.

Synonyms

assassin, homicide, killer, slayer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
murderer	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.
killer	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.
assassin	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.
homicide	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.
slayer	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.

Examples of usage

The police are searching for the murderer of the young woman.
The murderer confessed to the crime under intense interrogation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literature

In literature, a murderer can be a character who commits a homicide within the storyline of a novel, play, or movie. The portrayal of a murderer can serve as a plot device or a reflection of societal issues.

Synonyms

criminal, perpetrator, villain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
murderer	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.
villain	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.
criminal	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.
perpetrator	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.

Examples of usage

The novel's protagonist discovers the true identity of the murderer.
The murderer's motives were revealed in the final act of the play.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Old French 'murdre,' which means 'to kill' and traces back to Latin 'mors' for 'death.'
In medieval England, the crime of murder was so serious that it was usually punished by death.
The first recorded use of the term 'murder' in English dates back to the 14th century.

Law and Society

In legal terms, murder is classified into various degrees, such as first-degree, second-degree, and manslaughter, based on intent and circumstances.
The concept of 'justifiable homicide' exists in law, where killing someone might be considered lawful if done in self-defense.
Statistics show that the majority of murders occur in urban areas, often linked to socio-economic factors.

Psychology

Research into the psychology of killers reveals many factors, including behavioral patterns and personal history influence violent crimes.
Some studies suggest that individuals who commit such acts may experience diminished empathy, leading to their capacity for violence.
The idea of the 'routine activity theory' suggests that a crime occurs when a motivated offender finds a suitable target without capable guardianship.

Pop Culture

Murderers are common characters in popular culture, often portrayed in movies, books, and TV shows, reflecting society's fascination with crime.
Famous fictional murderers include characters like Hannibal Lecter from 'Silence of the Lambs' and Norman Bates from 'Psycho,' influencing public perception of real-life criminals.
True crime podcasts and shows have surged in popularity, showcasing real murder cases and the psychology behind the killers.

Literature

Classic literature often explores themes of murder, such as Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth,' where ambition drives characters to commit heinous acts.
Detective novels, like those by Agatha Christie, revolve around solving murders, revealing the motives and intricacies of the crime.
The moral ambiguity around murder is frequently debated in literature, posing questions of justice and morality.

Translations

Translations of the word "murderer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assassino

🇮🇳 हत्यारा

🇩🇪 Mörder

🇮🇩 pembunuh

🇺🇦 вбивця

🇵🇱 morderca

🇯🇵 殺人者 (satsujinsha)

🇫🇷 meurtrier

🇪🇸 asesino

🇹🇷 katil

🇰🇷 살인자 (salinja)

🇸🇦 قاتل (qatil)

🇨🇿 vrah

🇸🇰 vrah

🇨🇳 凶手 (xiōngshǒu)

🇸🇮 morilec

🇮🇸 morðingi

🇰🇿 кісі өлтіруші (кісі ölтіruşi)

🇬🇪 მკვლელი (mk'vleli)

🇦🇿 qatil

🇲🇽 asesino

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,010, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10008 niece
10009 ensued
10010 murderer
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10012 thoracic
10013 shrinkage
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