Murder

Definition

Murder is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the unlawful killing of a human being with premeditation or malice aforethought. As a verb, it means to unlawfully kill someone with intent.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɝː.dɚ/
• Respelling: MUR-der

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɜː.də/
• Respelling: MUR-duh

Etymology

The word "murder" originates from Old English "morthor," meaning "secret killing" or "homicide," derived from Proto-Germanic "*murthra-" and Proto-Indo-European "*mr̥tro-," meaning "death" or "killing." Its legal and moral connotations evolved over time.

Derivatives

• Murderer (noun)
• Murderous (adjective)
• Murderously (adverb)
• Murdered (verb, past tense)
• Murdering (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Homicide
• Killing
• Assassination

Antonyms

• Rescue
• Protection
• Saving

Usage

The term "murder" is used in both legal and colloquial contexts. Legally, it defines an intentional act of killing, as in, "The suspect was charged with murder." Colloquially, it can mean severe difficulty or criticism, as in, "The exam was absolute murder."

Related Terms

• Manslaughter: The unlawful killing of a person without malice aforethought.
• Crime: An act punishable by law.
• Justice: The process of law enforcement to address crimes like murder.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The unlawful killing of a human being with premeditation:
  • Example: "He was convicted of first-degree murder."
• An act of extreme violence or destruction (figurative):
  • Example: "The critics called the performance a murder of the classic play."

Verb

• To unlawfully kill someone with intent:
  • Example: "The victim was murdered in their sleep."
• To destroy or severely criticize (informal):
  • Example: "They absolutely murdered the song during their performance."