# Doesn't "slain" usually imply murder?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-slain-usually-imply-murder/430979
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [December 23, 2007, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-slain-usually-imply-murder/430979 "2007-12-23T00:10:36Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2007, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-slain-usually-imply-murder/430979/41 "2007-12-28T20:05:28Z")
Huh? The connotation is strong enough that it is relatively common for dictionaries to state that the word actually _denotes_ intent, beyond connoting it.
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### Author:  [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2007, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-slain-usually-imply-murder/430979/42 "2007-12-28T22:14:15Z")
[QUOTE=Larry Mudd]
Huh? The connotation is strong enough that it is relatively common for dictionaries to state that the word actually _denotes_ intent, beyond connoting it.
[/QUOTE]
Um, as the links I’ve established show, most dictionaries do NOT include intent as part of the definition. Violence, yes, but intent, no.
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### Author:  [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2007, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-slain-usually-imply-murder/430979/43 "2007-12-28T23:57:49Z")
There is no argument that most dictionaries suggest that “slay” _denotes_ intentional killing, but a significant number actually do.
Nobody in this thread is arguing that the word has this literal meaning, but it is certainly an indication that it has acquired the connotation.
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