murdered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murdered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing homicide, crime, or in a metaphorical sense to describe something that has been destroyed or ruined. Example: "The detective found evidence that suggested the victim had been brutally murdered in the alley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As its investigation continues, Greene continues to call the Kansas City police department several times each week to make sure her "baby" isn't pushed aside – so that the police accept what Coshelle Greene already believes: Dionte was murdered because he was gay, and his murderer wasn't sure if he wanted to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

But how many of us have seen the extraordinary and moving tribute that remarkable woman made herself at the funeral of one of the murdered cartoonists?

The Guardian

Relatives of the murdered women wept in the crowded public gallery.

The Guardian

The death mask is that of Daniel Good, whose success in evading a police hunt for weeks after he murdered his wife in 1842 led to the formation of a dedicated team of detectives.

The Guardian

They accuse the mainstream republicans of staging a grossly insensitive march which they say denigrates and insults the memories of those murdered in the conflict by the IRA.

The Guardian

MDC members have been murdered, tortured and jailed during a long struggle and the prize now seems further away than ever.

The Guardian

Yet you will never get back the person who was murdered.

The Guardian - Film

The rest of the family had no such luck: while one of his aunts and her daughter survived because they were Catholics, his grandmother, his two uncles and his other aunt were murdered along with their families in Auschwitz and other camps; his mother's side of the family was completely wiped out.

The Guardian

The destructive orgy that ensued left at least 91 Jews murdered, 30,000 arrested, and more than 7,000 Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged over the 9 and 10 of November 1938 in co-ordinated attacks against Jews in Germany and Austria.

The Guardian

A "callous and brutal" father who murdered his baby daughter by repeatedly biting, punching and shaking her has been jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing between "murdered" and alternatives like "killed" or "slain". "Murdered" is often used in news reports and legal contexts due to its gravity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "murdered" in situations where the death was accidental or not the result of malicious intent. Using it inappropriately can be sensationalist or insensitive. Stick to neutral terms like "died" or "killed" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The word "murdered" functions primarily as a past participle of the verb 'murder', indicating that someone or something has been the victim of an intentional and unlawful killing. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "murdered" is a past participle used to describe an intentional and unlawful killing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's very common in news and media, and its usage indicates a serious and formal tone. When using "murdered", it's important to consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the deliberate nature of the act. Alternatives like "killed" or "slain" may be more appropriate in less formal or less severe contexts. Remember to avoid overuse in non-criminal contexts to maintain accuracy and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assassinated

Implies the killing of a prominent person, often for political reasons.

slain

A more formal or literary term for killed.

killed

A general term for causing death.

fatally wounded

Emphasizes the severity of the injuries leading to death.

done to death

Describes a killing marked by particular violence

violently killed

Highlights that violence has been used in the process of killing someone.

met their demise

A euphemistic way of saying someone died, often in a violent way.

lost their life

A more gentle way of saying someone died, without using the word "kill".

was a victim of homicide

A legal term for being killed by another person.

kicked the bucket

An informal way of saying someone died.

FAQs

What is the difference between "murdered" and "killed"?

"Killed" is a general term for causing death, while "murdered" implies an intentional and unlawful killing. Murder specifically involves malice aforethought.

What are some synonyms for "murdered"?

Some synonyms for "murdered" include "assassinated", "slain", "killed", and "executed", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "murdered"?

It is appropriate to use "murdered" when describing a situation where someone was intentionally and unlawfully killed with malice aforethought, typically in a legal or journalistic context.

Is "murdered" a formal or informal term?

"Murdered" is a relatively formal term, often used in legal, journalistic, and formal writing. In casual conversation, "killed" might be more common, though "murdered" is also understood.