Murder

How it is used

Used as a noun ('charged with murder', 'a murder investigation') and a verb ('he was accused of murdering his business partner'). Lawyers separate murder from 'manslaughter', where the intention or blame is lower. The person is a 'murderer'; 'attempted murder' is a separate charge.

Example sentences

1. Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a body was found near the river.

2. He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

3. Murder carries a mandatory life sentence in England and Wales.

Common collocations

• murder investigation
• charged with murder
• attempted murder
• murder trial
• murder weapon

Related terms

• manslaughterThe crime of unlawfully killing someone without the intention needed for murder, or with a partial defence such as loss of control.
• intentThe mental decision to do something or to bring about a particular result; many serious crimes can only be committed with intent.
• life sentenceThe most severe prison sentence in many countries, given for very serious crimes such as murder; it does not always mean the person stays in prison until death.
• mens reaA Latin term meaning 'guilty mind': the mental element of a crime, such as intention, knowledge or recklessness, which the prosecution must prove.

More terms: Crimes & Offences

• crime
• offence
• theft
• assault
• robbery
• burglary
• fraud
• drug trafficking
• bribery
• money laundering
• kidnapping
• cybercrime