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murder
The word carries a heavy weight of intentionality and malice. In a legal sense, it is distinguished from manslaughter by the presence of premeditation, creating a feeling of cold calculation and irreversible tragedy. In a colloquial or slang context, the word shifts toward hyperbole. When someone murders a song or a joke, the term describes a catastrophic failure so complete that it feels like a metaphorical death of the art form, often used for comedic effect.
Countable when referring to a specific crime or a group of birds (three murders). Uncountable when referring to the general concept of killing as a legal or moral category.
Meanings
The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
"The defendant was charged with first-degree murder."
To kill someone intentionally and unlawfully.
"He was accused of attempting to murder his business partner."
To perform an action, such as singing or playing an instrument, very poorly.
"She absolutely murdered that song during the karaoke contest."