Murder
/ˈmɜːr.dər/noun
The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
Did you know?In medieval England, the term 'murder' was often associated with secretive killings, hinting at a dark and sinister ritualistic undertone in its usage.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mr̥tós
“dead, dying, or to die.”
Old English
OE
morthor
“the act of killing, especially in secret or unlawful circumstances.”
Old Norse
ON
morð
“the act of murder, specifically a treacherous or deceitful killing.”
Middle English
ME
murdrie
“the act of murder, often implying a more sinister or unlawful connotation.”
Modern English
English
murder
“the unlawful premeditated killing of another person, rooted in a dark historical context.”