# in cold blood

> English word · Prep_phrase

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

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/in-cold-blood