English Reference
adjective · verb

murdered

adj. · v.
US /ˈmɝdɝd/ UK /mˈɜːdəd/ mur·dered

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    adj.describes a person who has been killed in a crime.

    adj.a participial adjective describing a person who has been the victim of a homicide.

    Simple

    The family of the murdered man asked for privacy during the trial.

    In context

    The detective stood silently by the grave of the murdered journalist, vowing to find the person responsible for the tragedy.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced InformalHumorous

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

    v.to perform, utter, or represent something so poorly that it is effectively ruined.

    Simple

    He really murdered that song at the karaoke bar last night.

    In context

    The amateur choir completely murdered the national anthem, missing several key notes and losing the rhythm entirely.

    Usage

    Usually takes a direct object representing a creative work or performance.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated