What does murderously mean?
Murderously means with murderous intent or in an extremely violent, savage manner. It can describe an actual killing, a direct and unmistakable threat, or a look, gesture, or action that conveys lethal hostility. The word is especially associated with dramatic, journalistic, and literary language: a person may stare murderously at a rival, or an armed group may attack its opponents murderously. Because the expression carries an extreme and unmistakable sense of danger, it is normally reserved for situations that seem genuinely deadly or exceptionally brutal. It is more forceful than words such as harshly and more explicitly associated with killing than words such as angrily. Although the standard spelling ends in -ly, the word is formed from the adjective murderous and follows its normal adverbial formation. Its force can sometimes be heightened through context, particularly when describing jealousy, rivalry, organized conflict, or premeditated violence.
adverbIn a manner characterized by deliberate killing or extreme violence; with murderous intent.
- In a way that involves or suggests deliberate killing, lethal intent, or extreme violence.
"The jealous rival looked at his former friend murderously across the crowded room."
"The witness said that the man turned and looked at the crowd murderously."
"Rival factions have continued to attack one another murderously despite calls for peace."
One adverb can transform murder into a vivid description of lethal intent, savage behavior, or extreme danger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of murderously
Murderously was formed in the early 19th century from the adjective murderous and the adverbial suffix -ly. Murderous in turn derives from murder, which comes through Middle English from Old Norse mordr, meaning a killing or murder. The related English forms murderer and murder have developed from the same historical root.
Related word forms
How murderously is actually used
The adverb may describe actual lethal behavior, an explicit threat, or a person's dangerously hostile demeanor. It is especially common in journalism and literary or dramatic descriptions.