What is murder? Pronunciation and usage in English

murder means . Learn how to pronounce and use murder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of murder

murdernoun/verb

/ˈməːdə/
Definition & pronunciation of murder

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "murder" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules. Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation (primarily in American English):

  • MUR-der

Let's break it down:

  • MUR: This is pronounced like the word "mur" in "murmur." It's a short, sharp "mur" sound.
  • der: This is pronounced like "dare" – just the "der" part.

The pronunciation used in British English:

  • MOOR-der

Here's how that breaks down:

  • MOOR: Pronounced like "moor" – as in, a place with open grassy land.
  • der: Again, pronounced like "dare".

Key Differences & Why It's Tricky:

  • The "rr" sound: The "rr" at the beginning is crucial. It's a trilled or rolled "r" – think of how a Spanish speaker pronounces "perro" (dog). You need to vibrate your tongue against the roof of your mouth when making this sound. If you can’t quite roll it, a strong, quick "r" is the next best thing.
  • The "u" sound: The "u" in "mur" is like the "u" in "hurt" or "burn.”
  • The "er" sound: Both British and American versions use the same "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "her."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Asking about your dialect can help me point you to the most relevant pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word murder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "murder" effectively in English. It's a powerful and serious word, so it's important to understand its nuances and proper usage.

1. Core Definition:

  • Murder fundamentally means the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought – meaning the killer intended to kill (or acted with extreme recklessness and disregard for human life). It's a crime.

2. Formal Usage (Legal & News):

  • Legal Context: In legal documents, police reports, and news reports, "murder" is a precise term. It’s the standard way to describe a deliberate act of killing that constitutes a crime.
    • Example: "The police are investigating a case of murder in which a man was found dead with a gunshot wound."
  • News Headlines: Often used in headlines to immediately convey the seriousness of the crime.
    • Example: “Murder Suspect Apprehended After Three-Day Search.”

3. Less Formal Usage (Literature, Storytelling):

  • Descriptive Language: "Murder" can be used to create a dramatic effect in writing, but it should be done thoughtfully. It’s generally stronger than simply saying "killed."
    • Example: “The detective stared at the scene, the evidence a stark testament to the murder that had taken place.”
  • Figurative Language (Rare, use cautiously): You might see it used figuratively to represent a deeply damaging or destructive act, but this is less common and can feel heavy-handed. It’s generally best to avoid this unless you're deliberately aiming for a very specific tone.

4. Related Words & Synonyms:

  • Homicide: This is a broader term referring to the killing of one person by another. "Murder" is a type of homicide. Not all homicides are murders. (e.g., manslaughter is another type of homicide).
  • Killing: A more neutral term for ending a life.
  • Assassination: Often used for the killing of a prominent political or public figure, typically by someone with a political motive.
  • Slaughter: Suggests a large number of people killed in a violent way.
  • Premeditated murder: Murder that was planned in advance.
  • First-degree murder: The most serious type of murder charge, typically requiring intent to kill.
  • Second-degree murder: Murder without premeditation, but still with malice.

5. Important Considerations:

  • Severity: “Murder” implies a significant degree of intent and planning.
  • Tone: Because of its seriousness, "murder" carries a heavy tone. Don't overuse it.
  • Alternatives: Consider if weaker verbs or descriptions would be more appropriate for your context. Sometimes “killed” or “died” is sufficient.

Examples demonstrating different contexts:

  • Formal: "The prosecutor presented evidence of murder with intent to harm."
  • News: “Police announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a local business owner.”
  • Descriptive (Literature): “A chilling silence hung in the air, the only evidence of the murder – a single, crimson stain on the carpet.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you writing? (e.g., a story, a news article, an essay, etc.)
  • What is the specific context in which you want to use the word "murder"? (e.g., describing a crime scene, discussing legal definitions, etc.)

Synonyms for the word murder

Idioms of the word murder

get away with murder
(informal, often humorous)to do whatever you want without being stopped or punished
  • They let their children get away with murder!
scream blue murder
to scream loudly and for a long time, especially in order to protest about something

    Practice with vocabulary murder

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The detective meticulously gathered evidence to prove that the suspect committed the heinous ______.
    2. The unexpected ______ of the key witness complicated the ongoing investigation significantly.
    3. After a lengthy trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of ______ in the first degree.
    4. The accused was also charged with aggravated ______ for physically harming the victim before the incident.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Select the term(s) that accurately describe the deliberate and unlawful killing of one human being by another. a) Manslaughter b) Homicide c) Genocide d) Murder
    2. The novel's plot revolves around a mysterious ______ that the protagonist must solve to clear his name. a) disappearance b) dilemma c) murder d) conspiracy
    3. Which of these terms could be used to describe the planned killing of a high-profile political figure? a) Execution b) Manslaughter c) Assassination d) Murder
    4. The suspect was charged with ______ after intentionally causing severe physical harm to the victim, though not resulting in death. a) Battery b) Larceny c) Extortion d) Embezzlement
    5. The company faced severe legal repercussions for its deliberate ______ of environmental regulations, leading to widespread pollution. a) compliance b) adherence c) violation d) endorsement

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The police are investigating the intentional killing of a shop owner. Rewrite using "murder":
    2. Original: It was suspected that the politician was killed by a hired assassin. Rewrite using a related form of "murder":
    3. Original: The sudden and tragic killing of the entire family shocked the community. Rewrite without using "murder" or its related forms, but with a suitable replacement:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The detective meticulously gathered evidence to prove that the suspect committed the heinous murder.
    2. The unexpected demise of the key witness complicated the ongoing investigation significantly.
    3. After a lengthy trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.
    4. The accused was also charged with aggravated assault for physically harming the victim before the incident.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Homicide, d) Murder
    2. c) murder
    3. c) Assassination, d) Murder
    4. a) Battery
    5. c) violation

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The police are investigating the murder of a shop owner.
    2. It was suspected that the politician was murdered by a hired assassin.
    3. The sudden and tragic massacre of the entire family shocked the community.

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