# murderous

/ˈmɝdɝəs/ (US) · /mˈɜːdəɹəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/murderous
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. intending to kill

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a person who wants to kill someone, or a look that shows great anger and a desire to hurt.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. relating to murder

adjective · CEFR B2

connected to the crime of killing someone.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. extremely difficult

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

very hard to deal with, or causing a lot of physical pain and tiredness.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The criminal gave the witness a murderous look.
- The soldiers had to march for ten miles through the murderous heat of the desert afternoon.
- The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a murderous intent that contrasts sharply with his calm, professional exterior throughout the first act of the play.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.