cold-blooded killing

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold-blooded killing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a murder that is done without emotion or compassion. Example: The detective was shocked by the cold-blooded killing that took place in the quiet neighborhood. Alternative expressions include "premeditated murder" and "calculating homicide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It was a cold-blooded killing.

The Guardian

Sheriff Ron Hickman blamed the Black Lives Matter movement for the cold-blooded killing.

The Washington Post

George Bush denounced the bomb attack as "callous, cold-blooded killing".

The Guardian

"This callous, this cold-blooded killing, it must stop," said President Bush.

The New York Times

Mohammed Emwazi had become the west's most wanted man – infamous for his cold-blooded killing.

The Guardian

"It was a cold-blooded killing and maiming of innocent people on an enormous scale," Judge Kaplan said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Photograph: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters Updated at 7.28pm BST 7.13pm BST Fiyaz Mughal, the director of Faith Matters and co-ordinator of the UK Government-backed anti-Muslim hatred 'Tell MAMA' project said of today's Woolwich killing: The cold blooded killing of a serving British soldier is a crime that sickens every member of every community in the UK.

The Guardian

Can you honestly justify unjust, cold-blooded killings by police because, "black people kill each other?" Please.

Huffington Post

Cold-blooded killings.

The New York Times

But following pressure from Shahid's MP in Bradford, an investigation by senior Pakistani police officers concluded she was the victim of a "premeditated and cold-blooded honour killing".

The Guardian

One of his earliest acts as a WorldNetDaily reporter was to portray an AWOL Israeli soldier, Eden Natan-Zada, who had -- unprovoked -- shot and killed four Arabs on a bus in Gaza, as a victim because Palestinians who witnessed the cold-blooded shootings killed him before authorities could step in.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cold-blooded killing", ensure the context clearly supports the implication of a deliberate and emotionless act. Avoid using it hyperbolically or in situations where the intent is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "cold-blooded killing" when describing events that are tragic but lack clear evidence of premeditation or a complete absence of emotion. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and create a sense of unwarranted sensationalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold-blooded killing" functions as a noun phrase, where "cold-blooded" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "killing". It commonly describes a murder committed deliberately and without remorse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely understood and used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cold-blooded killing" is a commonly used and well-understood term that describes a premeditated and emotionless act of murder. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like ""premeditated murder"" or ""calculated assassination"" exist, "cold-blooded killing" carries a strong connotation of condemnation and disapproval. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context accurately reflects the deliberate and emotionless nature of the crime being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

premeditated murder

Focuses on the planning aspect, implying a deliberate intention to kill.

calculated assassination

Highlights the planning and precision involved in the killing.

deliberate execution

Emphasizes the intentional and purposeful nature of the killing.

intentional homicide

A more formal and legalistic term for a deliberate killing.

ruthless slaying

Focuses on the merciless and cruel aspect of the killing.

callous murder

Highlights the lack of empathy or feeling in the act of killing.

heartless killing

Emphasizes the absence of compassion or emotion in the killing.

preplanned homicide

Stresses the forethought and planning involved in the killing.

malicious murder

Highlights the ill will or spite behind the killing.

merciless slaughter

Focuses on the cruelty and lack of pity in the killing.

FAQs

How can I use "cold-blooded killing" in a sentence?

You can use "cold-blooded killing" to describe a murder that was planned and executed without emotion. For example, "The detective described the crime as a "cold-blooded killing"."

What are some alternatives to "cold-blooded killing"?

Some alternatives include "premeditated murder", "calculated assassination", or "intentional homicide", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What distinguishes "cold-blooded killing" from other types of homicide?

"Cold-blooded killing" specifically emphasizes the lack of emotion and the deliberate planning involved in the act, setting it apart from homicides committed in the heat of passion or without prior intent.

Is "cold-blooded killing" a legal term?

While "cold-blooded killing" is a commonly used phrase, it is not a precise legal term. Legal contexts typically use terms like "premeditated murder" or first-degree murder to describe similar acts.