murder - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
murder Word Meanings
- the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another
- an act of killing someone deliberately
- to commit the crime of murder
murder Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
murder Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɜːdə/
US
/ˈmɜrdər/
murder Word Etymology
Root decomposition: murder = 'mord' (to kill) + 'er' (agent noun). Historical origin: Latin 'mores' → Old French 'mordre' → English 'murder'. Memory image: Picture a dark alley where someone is lurking, waiting to strike – a chilling reminder of the consequences of this heinous act.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the cold table edge and move my eyes toward the empty chair in the corner. I adjust my posture, hold steady, and feel thoughts tugging at me from different angles as the scene shifts. The word sits heavy, changing the way I think about harm, and I push and pull my own feelings to keep them in check. In that quiet moment I sense how the word is lived in choices people face, and I let that weight settle as I imagine real use beyond the page.
Real Context
Murder is the unlawful premeditated killing of a person by another. It is a legal term describing an intentional, planned act of killing, distinguishing it from manslaughter or accidental death. In everyday speech, people may say 'to murder someone' for the act, or 'a murder' when referring to the crime or the suspect's case. The word carries strong moral and emotional weight and is rarely used casually, except in fiction, news headlines, or dramatic dialogue. In many jurisdictions, murder is treated as the most serious crime with severe penalties. Related terms include homicide (the broader category of killing) and assassinate (to murder a public figure for political reasons).
Usage Reminders
- Remember: murder is legal terminology, not casual slang. Avoid using for animals or non-human harms. Use homicide for general killing; reserve murder for intentional human killing. Be mindful of tone in news or fiction. Learn common collocations like 'murder case', 'murder rate', 'murder suspect'.
Common Misconceptions
- Murder = killing in general; killers and killings in self-defense are always murder.
- Murder is allowed or justified in certain cultures or religions.
- Murder always results in the death sentence where you live.
- Murder can refer to animals or non-human harm.
- Murder and homicide are always interchangeable in everyday speech.
Thinking Differences
Murder is a formal criminal term with legal weight; learners often conflate it with 'kill' or 'murderer' in casual speech or miss the nuance between 'murder' (the act) and 'homicide' (the broader category).
Learning Tips
- Practice with news headlines to hear tone.
- Contrast murder vs homicide to see scope.
- Memorize common collocations (murder case, murder rate).
- Form sentences with 'to murder' (verb) and 'a murder' (noun).
- Note the strong emotional charge; avoid casual use.
- Explore etymology to reinforce the sense of intentional killing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences use the word 'murder' correctly?
A.The detective solved the murder case.
B.He decided to murder a funny joke.
C.She enjoyed a murder of crows in the park.
D.The flowers in the garden will murder beautifully.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'murder'?
A.Hug
B.Rob
C.Dance
D.Sing
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'murder'?
A.Rescue
B.Cook
C.Build
D.Create
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'murder'?
A.A detective investigates a murder case.
B.The students studied for their exam.
C.The chef prepared a delicious meal.
D.They had a picnic in the park.
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