Word
murdering
Phoneticsmur·der·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɝdɝɪŋ/
UK/mˈɜːdəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01killing someone
B1 · Intermediate Law
v. the act of killing a person illegally and on purpose.
v. the present participle of 'murder', describing the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
“The police are still looking for the person responsible for murdering the shopkeeper.”
“The prosecution presented forensic evidence linking the defendant to the scene, arguing that he had been planning the murdering of his rival for months.”
Synonyms
02performing badly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to do something very badly, like singing a song or speaking a language poorly.
v. to spoil or mar something through poor execution or performance; often takes creative works or languages as a direct object.
“He was murdering that beautiful song by singing completely out of tune.”
“While his enthusiasm was admirable, he was absolutely murdering the local dialect, much to the amusement of the villagers.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03very much
C2 · Proficiency Dialect · Informal · British English
adv. used to mean 'extremely' or 'very much'.
adv. an intensifier used to mean 'exceedingly' or 'terribly'.
“It is murdering cold outside today, so make sure you wear a heavy coat.”
“The hike was murdering difficult in the midday heat, leaving the entire group exhausted by the time they reached the summit.”
Usage
Typically functions as an adverb of degree modifying an adjective.
Teaching tip
This usage is specific to Irish English and some Northern British dialects; learners should recognize it but avoid using it in standard international contexts.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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