Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Murderous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔪
Add to dictionary

murderous

[ˈmɜːrdərəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Murderous refers to a tendency or inclination to commit murder or to exhibit grave, violent, or deadly intent. It can also describe an atmosphere or situation that is extremely dangerous or lethal.

Synonyms

deadly, homicidal, lethal, violent.

Examples of usage

  • The murderous intent of the plot surprised everyone.
  • She escaped from the murderous gang in the nick of time.
  • The film depicted a murderous rampage through the city.
  • His murderous rage led him to unspeakable acts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • This word often appears in crime novels and thrillers, setting an intense tone for stories.
  • Classic works like Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' explore themes of guilt and ambition, showcasing the deep psychological aspects of 'murderous' actions.

Psychology

  • Studies show that exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization towards aggressive actions and the concept of murderous intent.
  • Understanding the mindset behind such actions can help psychologists treat violent behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Psycho' and 'The Silence of the Lambs' explore 'murderous' themes, demonstrating society's fascination with the criminal mind.
  • 'Murderous' characters often unveil broader societal issues, revealing fears and moral dilemmas.

History

  • Historical events, such as wars and political assassinations, often involve 'murderous' acts that shape nations and cultures.
  • Infamous figures like Jack the Ripper left a lasting impact on society's perception of crime and justice, highlighting the allure of 'murderous' mysteries.

Origin of 'murderous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'murdrus', rooted in the Old French 'murdrer', which means to kill.
  • The concept has been present in various languages, highlighting the longstanding human fascination with crime and violence.

The word 'murderous' originates from the Middle English word 'murderous,' which comes from the Old French term 'mordr' and dates back to the Latin 'mortar' from the verb 'mordere,' meaning 'to bite.' By the 14th century, the term evolved in English to describe something related to or inclined towards murder. The prefix 'mur-' related to 'murder' emphasizes the thematic connection to killing, while the suffix '-ous' indicates that it is an adjective describing a quality. The evolution of the word reflects changing attitudes towards violence and crime in society, making 'murderous' not just a descriptor of actions but also a characterization of deeply harmful intents and atmospheres.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,367, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.