An act of causing death, especially deliberately
“The trial of the suspects charged with the killing of Watts took place at Taunton in April 1852.”
The carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death
A comprehensive defeat in a competitive situation
A financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the expenses
A very large sum of money
The act or state of physically fighting
An overwhelming majority of votes for one party or candidate in an election
An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury
(business) Financial profitability
Causing death
“Cancer is one of the four big killing diseases.”
Causing exhaustion or fatigue
“That's a killing schedule. How do you manage it?”
(informal) Difficult or impossible to endure or bear
“When the killing suspense had just about brought me to the verge of a nervous breakdown, the orders were issued in the affirmative.”
(dated) Extremely funny
“Let me write down that killing joke about the hunter and the bear. I never can remember a joke.”
Having an ache in a part of one's body
Killing or executing
“Like the classic dictator described by Aristotle, he quickly used his power to kill his political opponents.”
Present participle for to cause or result in the loss of life
“Tuna boats, for example, often kill sharks, turtles, and dolphins that get trapped in their nets.”
Present participle for to put an end to
“The unexpected emergency would effectively kill our plans for a vacation.”
Present participle for to cause the failure or defeat of (something)
“Congress would quickly kill the proposed bill.”
Present participle for to turn or switch off (something)
“Nigel parked his car and killed the engine.”
Present participle for to neutralize or subdue (an effect or quality)
“Sonya quickly gave me a shot to kill the unbearable pain.”
Present participle for to overexert oneself
“He would almost kill himself trying to get in shape for the marathon.”
Present participle for to pass the time, typically while waiting for a particular event
“I decided to kill some time by watching my favorite series on Netflix.”
Present participle for to cause pain or anguish to
“I hope it happens soon because the suspense will kill me otherwise.”
Present participle for to overwhelm (someone) with an emotion
“This song kills me every time I hear it.”
Present participle for to delete (a line, paragraph, or file) from a document or computer
“The editor was not happy with large sections of my report and would subsequently kill them.”
Present participle for to delight, allure or attract in an almost magical manner
“His handsome features and rugged build would regularly kill the ladies within his presence.”
Related Words and Phrases
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