murder

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal

n. something that is very unpleasant or difficult to deal with.

n. an experience or task that is extremely arduous, painful, or difficult to endure.

“Walking up those stairs with heavy bags was absolute murder on my knees.”

“Commuting for three hours every day in this heat is absolute murder, and I am seriously considering moving closer to the office.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. the special name for a group of crows.

n. the collective noun for a group of crows.

“A murder of crows gathered in the old oak tree at sunset.”

“The poet used the image of a murder of crows circling the battlefield to create a sense of impending doom.”

B1 · Intermediate Law

v. to kill someone deliberately and illegally.

v. to commit the crime of murder; to kill a human being with malice aforethought.

“He was sent to prison for life after he tried to murder the witness.”

“The historical record suggests the king was murdered by his own guards, though no official charges were ever brought.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to perform a song or a piece of writing very badly.

v. to spoil or ruin something, such as a piece of music or a language, through poor performance or pronunciation.

“I like singing, but I usually murder the high notes in that song.”

“The amateur dramatic society absolutely murdered the Shakespearean dialogue, much to the disappointment of the local critics.”

C1 · Advanced British English · Informal

v. to really want to eat or drink something right now.

v. to consume something with great enthusiasm or to have a strong desire for something. Often used with 'could'.

“I am so thirsty I could murder a cold glass of water.”

“After a long day of hiking in the rain, the entire group felt they could murder a hot meal and a warm bed.”