Definition of Kill
The verb “kill” primarily means to cause the death of a person, animal, or other living thing. It can also mean to put an end to something, such as an idea, project, or process. Additionally, “kill” can be used informally to mean impressing someone (e.g., “You killed that performance!”) or exhausting someone (e.g., “This workout is killing me!”).
Synonyms for Kill
Below are various synonyms for “kill,” categorized by their strength of association.
Strongest Matches
These words are direct replacements in most contexts where “kill” is used.
- Slay
- Murder
- Execute
- Assassinate
- Butcher
- Massacre
- Exterminate
- Annihilate
Strong Matches
These words are synonymous with “kill” but might be more context-dependent.
- Destroy
- Eliminate
- Decimate
- Wipe out
- Take down
- Dispatch
- Eradicate
- Terminate
Weak Matches
These words are often metaphorical or situationally related to “kill.”
- End
- Ruin
- Defeat
- Crush
- Overpower
- Neutralize
- Suppress
- Quell
Example Sentences Using “Kill”
- The hunter killed a deer in the forest.
- The assassin was hired to kill the political leader.
- That joke really killed the mood at the party.
- The antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria.
- She worked so hard on that project, only for management to kill it at the last minute.
Contextual Usage of “Kill”
- Biological/Medical: Doctors use chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
- Military/War: The soldiers were trained to kill in combat.
- Technology/Gaming: The player needs to kill the boss to move to the next level.
- Business/Corporate: The CEO decided to kill the failing project.
- Colloquial: “You’re killing it!” (meaning excelling at something)
Related Words and Concepts
- Homicide: The legal term for killing a human being.
- Genocide: The mass killing of a particular group.
- Euthanasia: The act of humanely killing to end suffering.
- Extinction: The complete eradication of a species.
- Slaughter: Large-scale or brutal killing.
- Self-defense: Killing someone in response to an immediate threat.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not condone violence or harm in any form. The word “kill” has various meanings and should be used responsibly and within appropriate contexts.
