The crime of deliberately killing another person without justification.
"The police are investigating what appears to be a murder after they found the victim in an alleyway last night."
In plain English: Murder is the act of intentionally killing someone else.
"The police are investigating whether this was an act of murder or just an accident."
Usage: As a noun, "murder" refers specifically to the serious crime of intentionally and unlawfully killing someone, distinguishing it from accidental death or manslaughter. Use this term only when describing an act that involves deliberate malice and meets legal criteria for first-degree or second-degree homicide.
To deliberately kill (a person or persons) without justification, especially with malice aforethought.
"The jury heard damning evidence that proved he committed murder rather than acting in self-defense."
In plain English: To murder means to intentionally kill someone illegally and brutally.
"The detective spent hours investigating how the suspect could have murdered his neighbor in such a short time."
Usage: Use the verb murder to describe the intentional and unlawful killing of a human being, usually implying premeditation or extreme cruelty. Avoid using it metaphorically for minor offenses or accidents, as it strictly denotes a serious criminal act.
The word "murder" comes from Old English roots meaning "secret slaying" or "unlawful killing." It traveled into Middle English with a slight spelling change before becoming the modern term for intentional homicide.