A2verb1K

Kill

UK /["/kɪl/","/kɪlz/","/kɪld/","/ˈkɪlɪŋ/"]/US /["/kɪl/","/kɪlz/","/kɪld/","/ˈkɪlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make somebody/something die

In simple words: to cause someone or something to die

Examples

  • He decided to kill the weeds in the garden with a strong herbicide.
  • The hunter managed to kill a deer during the season.
  • In the movie, the villain aims to kill the hero in the final battle.
  • The comedian's jokes were so funny that they could kill you with laughter.
  • The exam was so boring that it felt like it would kill us all.
  • Don't kill the vibe at the party; everyone is having a great time!
  • He didn't mean to kill the spirit of the event with his negative comments.

Usage notes

Use 'kill' in both casual and serious contexts. Avoid in sensitive discussions about death unless appropriate. In informal settings, it can also mean to stop something (like a plan).

Grammar pattern

kill + object

Memory hint

Think of 'kill' as 'to end a thrill' — when something exciting comes to an end.

Collocations

  • outright
  • almost
  • nearly
  • want to
  • be prepared to
  • threaten to
  • admit killing somebody
  • admit to killing somebody
  • deny killing somebody

Synonyms

  • slay
  • execute
  • terminate
  • destroy
  • dispatch

Antonyms

  • save
  • rescue
  • protect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'kill' as a synonym for 'murder' — not all killings are murders.
  • Using 'killed' when referring to stopping an activity — it’s better to say 'killed it' in such contexts.
  • Confusing the noun form 'kill' with 'killing' — 'kill' refers to the act, while 'killing' often refers to the act of murder.