Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

in cold blood

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.76 in modern English

Syllables: in- -cold blood
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

In a ruthless and unfeeling manner, particularly as applied to first-degree murder committed without provocation and with malice aforethought.

Example Sentences

"It was not a suicide! He was murdered in cold blood."
"Police have arrested a suspect in the murder-robbery of a gold shop in Lop Buri two weeks ago, in which a young child and two adults were killed in cold blood."

Etymology

From a specialized meaning of cold, referring to lack of empathy.

Phrases

cold-blooded

Frequently Paired Words

cold-blooded

Synonyms

cold-bloodedly

Questions

What does in cold blood mean?: In a ruthless and unfeeling manner, particularly as applied to first-degree murder committed without provocation and with malice aforethought.
Where does in cold blood come from?: From a specialized meaning of cold, referring to lack of empathy.

How to pronounce in cold blood

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “in cold blood”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “in cold blood” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.