Kill

/kɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the act of killing or the state of being killed.

The novel features a murder mystery where the kill is always unexpected.

an instance of killing, especially in a violent context.

The news reported several kills during the conflict.

verb

to cause the death of a living being.

The hunter aimed to kill the deer for food.

to put an end to; terminate.

The manager decided to kill the project due to budget cuts.

to prevent from continuing or having an effect.

The rainstorm killed our plans for a picnic.

to cause someone to feel extreme fatigue or boredom.

The long lecture nearly killed me.

Middle English, from Old English cyllan; akin to Old Norse kella to strike

kill two birds with one stone

To accomplish two tasks with a single action.

kill time

To spend time doing something unimportant or unproductive.

kill the fatted calf

To celebrate someone's return or a special event.

killer

A person or thing that kills.

killing

The act of causing death.

kiln

An oven or furnace for burning, baking, or drying.

To perform exceptionally well

He killed it on stage last night!

To make someone laugh immensely

That joke killed me!