Cold-blooded

Cold-blooded describes an animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings. This is a biological characteristic. More broadly, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or action lacking in emotion, empathy, or compassion, especially cruelty. This usage emphasizes a lack of concern for others' feelings or well-being, often associated with deliberate malice. It suggests a calculated, unemotional approach to situations, particularly those involving suffering or harm to others. The term emphasizes a detachment from the emotional responses typical of warm-blooded beings, highlighting a capacity for detached actions, lacking in remorse.

Cold-blooded meaning with examples

• The crocodile, a cold-blooded reptile, basked in the sun to raise its body temperature before hunting its prey. Its survival depends on its reliance on external heat sources, as its internal temperature fluctuates.
• The assassin was described as cold-blooded, meticulously planning the murder with no apparent remorse. His actions reflected a calculated indifference to the victim's life, a complete lack of compassion.
• Unlike mammals, this cold-blooded turtle cannot survive in freezing temperatures for extended periods and must retreat to a sheltered environment. It reacts to external temperature changes.
• The judge viewed the evidence as indicating a cold-blooded scheme by the executive team to defraud investors, highlighting their lack of consideration for others' losses and a calculated plan.