Word
murderous
Phoneticsmur·der·ous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɝdɝəs/
UK/mˈɜːdəɹəs/
Definitions
01intending to kill
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing a person who wants to kill someone, or a look that shows great anger and a desire to hurt.
adj. describing a person who intends to commit murder, or an expression indicating homicidal rage.
“He gave his rival a murderous look when he lost the competition.”
“The dictator was known for his murderous intent toward anyone who dared to challenge his absolute authority.”
Synonyms
02relating to murder
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law
adj. connected to the crime of killing someone.
adj. pertaining to, characterized by, or involving the act of murder.
“The police investigated the murderous attack that happened in the park.”
“The gang was responsible for a murderous campaign of violence that terrorized the local community for months.”
03extremely difficult
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. very hard to deal with, or causing a lot of physical pain and tiredness.
adj. extremely arduous, grueling, or difficult to endure; often used to describe physical heat or intense work.
“The players had to practice in the murderous heat of the afternoon sun.”
“After a murderous twelve-hour shift at the hospital, the exhausted nurse could barely stand.”
Usage
Often used to describe weather conditions or intense physical schedules.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The clampdown has begun, murderous secret police are everywhere and she has no passport.” Etymology
From murder + -ous (suffix forming adjectives from nouns denoting possession or presence of a quality).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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