murderous look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murderous look" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a menacing expression on someone's face. Example sentence: When Seth saw what I had done, he gave me a murderous look.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She has a murderous look.

The New York Times - Arts

I never sent it to the paper because I remembered the murderous look on the grunt's face and the utter weariness of the company commander as he explained that it had been a very bad afternoon, and then paused, because of course I knew that.

The New York Times - Magazine

On Wednesday, he thought it most amusing that England had been placed third in the Fifa rankings, and chuckled over it at every possible opportunity, first with Roy Keane – that's Chiles chuckling, not Keane, who restricted himself to his normal murderous look – and then over a cutaway of some guy in the crowd, "who clearly can't believe England have been placed third in the latest Fifa rankings".

The Guardian - Sport

Whisper "Dislike!" and give them a murderous look?

Huffington Post

Lennon said that his mind was made up when the Maharishi gave him a murderous look in response.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I usually pause to shoot murderous looks at whichever PR person has set up the interview before responding.

Vice

It depicts the suffering of local civilians during the American invasion of Okinawa in 1945, partly at the hands of murderous-looking Japanese troops.

The Economist

Russet rooftops can just be spotted beneath the snow, dripping with exquisite, if murderous-looking, icicles.

BBC

At the same time there's a constant undercurrent of danger: a passing face looks murderous; police fish a corpse from the river; a pier explodes in billows of dark smoke.

The New York Times - Arts

What would a person born after the world is chewed up and spit out by a fungus that turns people into murderous clicking monsters look like?

Vice

The old bridegroom is there, looking murderous, his young wife at his side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murderous look" to vividly depict a character's intense anger, hatred, or intention to cause harm. This phrase is best employed when aiming for a strong, immediate impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "murderous look" to describe mild annoyance or frustration. This phrase carries significant weight and is best reserved for situations where the character's anger is extreme and potentially dangerous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murderous look" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "murderous" modifies the noun "look". It describes a particular kind of look characterized by intense anger or intent to harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "murderous look" is a grammatically sound and vivid expression used to describe an intensely angry or threatening facial expression. While not frequently encountered, as indicated by Ludwig, it is correctly employed in various news and media contexts. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to quickly convey a character's extreme anger and potential for violence. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid applying it to situations that don't warrant such a strong description. Considering alternative phrasing, such as "lethal gaze" or "icy glare", can provide nuanced variations to this powerful descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethal gaze

Replaces 'look' with 'gaze', suggesting a more intense and sustained expression of hostility.

death stare

Uses a more informal term, 'stare', while emphasizing the potential for harm or intimidation.

icy glare

Shifts the focus to the coldness and lack of emotion in the look, implying a calculated threat.

furious expression

Replaces the specific visual aspect with a more general expression of anger.

enraged visage

Employs more formal language, focusing on the face as the bearer of intense anger.

homicidal glare

Highlights the potential for violence in the look, suggesting a willingness to kill.

vengeful gaze

Focuses on the desire for revenge as the motivation behind the look.

ferocious look

Emphasizes the wild and untamed nature of the expression.

glare of hatred

Explicitly states the emotion driving the intense look.

baleful stare

Emphasizes the threatening and malevolent nature of the stare.

FAQs

What does "murderous look" mean?

A "murderous look" refers to a facial expression that conveys intense anger, hatred, or a desire to inflict harm. It suggests a potential for violence and is often used to describe a menacing or threatening appearance.

What are some synonyms for "murderous look"?

Alternatives to "murderous look" include "lethal gaze", "death stare", "icy glare", or "furious expression". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

How can I effectively describe someone's anger without using "murderous look"?

Focus on specific details like clenched fists, a reddened face, a tight jaw, or a trembling voice. Showing, rather than telling, can often be more effective in conveying a character's intense emotions.

Is it appropriate to use "murderous look" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "murderous look" carries a strong emotional charge. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In formal or academic contexts, a more restrained phrase like "intense displeasure" or "severe disapproval" might be more suitable.