Definition

Adverb 1. In a manner intending or capable of causing death or great harm; with extreme violence or intensity. - Describes an action done with the ferocity or intent associated with murder. 2. To an extreme or unbearable degree; intensely. - Used figuratively to describe a non-physical intensity, such as extreme heat, competition, or emotion.

Usage and Examples

• The guard dog growled murderously at the intruder.
• After the betrayal, she looked at him murderously, her eyes full of hate.
• (Figurative) The two boxers stared murderously at each other before the match.
• (Figurative) The summer sun beat down murderously on the desert travelers.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "murderously competitive": Describes an environment or attitude of extreme, cut-throat rivalry.
  • The fashion industry is often described as murderously competitive.
• The adverb often modifies verbs related to looking, staring, glaring, or attacking, emphasizing a lethal intent in the action.

Variants and Related Words

• Murderous (adjective): Capable of, intending, or involving murder; extraordinarily severe or intense.
  • a murderous tyrant; murderous heat.
• Murder (noun/verb): The unlawful premeditated killing of a human being; to commit such a killing.

Synonyms

• Fiercely
• Savagely
• Ferociously
• Violently
• Intensely (for the figurative sense)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• To look/glare/stare murderously: A common collocation indicating a look of extreme anger or hatred that suggests a wish to kill.
  • He didn't say a word, but he looked murderously at the person who insulted his family.

Adverb

1. in a murderous frenzy
   • rioters running amuck and throwing sticks and bottles and stones
2. as if bent on murder
   • the huge dog bore down on them with bared fangs and barking murderously