What does murderess mean?
A murderess refers to a woman who has committed the act of murder. This term is often used in legal, journalistic, or literary contexts to describe a female perpetrator of homicide. The connotation is strongly negative, implying a serious breach of the law and social norms. Murderess is a specific term that highlights the gender of the perpetrator, distinguishing it from the more general term 'murderer.' Understanding the nuances of this term can provide insight into discussions of crime, justice, and gender.
nounA woman who has committed murder.
- A woman who has committed murder
"The police were searching for a notorious murderess who had escaped from prison."
"The murderess was sentenced to life in prison."
"The detective was determined to catch the elusive murderess."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple women who have committed murder.
"The prison housed several murderesses serving life sentences."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of murderess
The term 'murderess' originates from the word 'murder,' which comes from the Old French 'murdrer,' meaning 'to kill' or 'murder,' and the suffix '-ess,' which is used to form feminine nouns. The word has been used in English since the 15th century to specifically denote a female perpetrator of murder.
How murderess is actually used
This term typically carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in formal or serious contexts.