Kill Meaning and Definition
Kill
Pronunciation
/kɪl/
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definition
To cause the death of (a person, animal, or plant); to destroy or negate something’s existence or function.
Examples
- The hunter tried to kill the deer, but it escaped.
- The medication was designed to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Synonyms
- Murder
- Destroy
- Kill
Antonyms
- Save
- Preserve
- Tolerate
Etymology
The word “kill” comes from Old English “cillian”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic verb “*kellizanan”, meaning “to strike” or “to hit”.
Usage Notes
The verb “kill” can be used in different contexts, including in actions such as hunting, self-defense, or warfare.
As a noun, “kill” can refer to the act of killing, or the result of such an action.
Cultural References
The word “kill” has been used in numerous film and literature titles, such as “Kill Bill” and “Kill a Mockingbird”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Kill two birds with one stone
- Kill time
Related Words or Phrases
- Death
- Killjoy
- Murderer
Collocations
- To kill someone
- To kill a chance
- To kill a deal
Frequency of Use
The word “kill” is relatively common in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to violence, death, or destruction.
Common Misspellings
- Kille
- Kyl