Killing
ˈkɪlɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo cause the death of someone or something.
ˈkɪl
To cause the death of a person or animal.
The hunter accidentally killed a deer.
💡 Simply: Imagine you take the life of a living thing. That's killing. Like when a hunter shoots a deer, or a bad guy shoots someone.
👶 For kids: Making something stop living. Like, a cat killing a mouse.
More Examples
The disease killed many people.
He killed his rival to take his position
How It's Used
"The police are investigating the killing of the witness."
"The lion was responsible for killing the zebra."
The act or instance of causing someone or something to die.
ˈkɪlɪŋ
The act of causing death.
The killing was quickly solved by the police.
💡 Simply: It's what happens when someone or something is killed. Like, "The police are investigating the killing."
👶 For kids: When something dies because someone or something made it die.
More Examples
The killing of endangered species is illegal.
The killing shocked the entire town.
How It's Used
"The killing took place late at night."
"Animal rights activists protested the killing of whales."
(Informal) extremely effective or impressive.
ˈkɪlɪŋ
That is effective or impressive
She's wearing a killing outfit.
💡 Simply: Something is so good or impressive that it's 'killing' it. Like, "That song is killing it!" meaning it's great.
👶 For kids: Really, really good or cool.
More Examples
That song has a killing beat.
They gave a killing performance at the concert.
How It's Used
"She wore a killing dress at the party."
"His new shoes are killing!"
Synonyms
Assassinate
Execute
Execution
Homicide
Amazing
Excellent
Fantastic
Incredible
Idioms & expressions
kill two birds with one stone
To achieve two things at the same time.
"By walking to work, she kills two birds with one stone: she gets exercise and saves money."
the killing blow
The action or event that causes the final defeat or destruction of something.
"The economic downturn was the killing blow for the small business."
From Middle English *killen*, from Old English *cyllan* 'to kill', and *cwellan* 'to kill, slay'. Proto-Germanic *kwaljaną* 'to torment, kill'.
The word 'killing' has been used since Old English times to describe the act of causing death. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a *kill*er; they *kill*.