Kill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
đŞ
kill
[kÉŞl ]
Definitions
crime
To cause the death of a person, animal or plant intentionally.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kill |
General term for ending the life of a living being. Can be used in various contexts, including self-defense, hunting, or accidents.
|
| murder |
Specifically used when a person unlawfully takes the life of another person. Has a legal and negative connotation, often associated with crime.
|
| slay |
Often used in a historic or fantasy context, referring to killing in a dramatic or heroic way. Can also be colloquially used to mean 'impressive' in modern slang.
|
| terminate |
May refer to ending something definitively, including contracts or services. When referring to life, it is more formal and impersonal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He was sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife.
- The hunter killed a deer for food.
stop
To stop the operation or activity of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kill |
This word is typically used when referring to ending a life or causing the death of a living being. It has a very strong and often negative connotation.
|
| end |
This word is used for bringing something to a conclusion or stopping an activity. It is neutral and can apply to both abstract and concrete situations.
|
| terminate |
This word is more formal and is often used in official or technical contexts to mean bringing something to an end. It is neutral but can imply a definitive end.
|
| halt |
This word is used for a sudden stop to an activity or movement. It often implies a temporary stop rather than a permanent one.
|
Examples of usage
- The company decided to kill the project due to lack of funding.
- He killed the engine to save fuel.
success
A resounding success or hit.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kill |
This word is used when someone or something causes the death of a person, animal, or creature. It has a very strong and often negative connotation.
|
| success |
This word is used to describe the achievement of a goal or the attainment of something desired. It has a positive connotation.
|
| hit |
This word is used when talking about striking someone or something with force. It can also be used figuratively to describe the success or popularity of something, like a song or movie. This word can be neutral or negative, depending on the context.
|
| triumph |
This word is used for very significant or noteworthy successes, often implying a sense of victory after struggle or overcoming challenges. It carries a very positive and sometimes grandiose connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The new product was a kill in the market.
- Her performance in the play was a kill.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, the concept of 'killing' often explores themes of ambition and morality, like in 'Macbeth'.
- The phrase 'to kill two birds with one stone' appears in various literary pieces, symbolizing efficiency.
- Dark romance literature frequently uses the notion of 'killing' in a metaphorical sense to depict the end of relationships.
Psychology
- The act of aggression can be linked to deeper psychological issues, revealing underlying emotions like fear or anxiety.
- Research shows that witnessing violence can desensitize individuals, altering their perception of harm.
- The study of violent behavior investigates situational and environmental factors that may lead to aggressive actions.
Pop Culture
- The video game 'Call of Duty' centers around combat and strategy, with the term being an everyday part of gameplay.
- Films like 'Kill Bill' highlight themes of revenge, showcasing the complexity of character emotions related to the act of killing.
- In modern music, the term often appears in lyrics as a metaphor for heartbreak or loss.
Science
- In biological terms, certain processes are described as 'killing' when referring to the removal of cells or pathogens.
- The concept of 'kill' plays a crucial role in ecology, where predators help maintain the balance of ecosystems.
- Antimicrobial treatments are designed to kill harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial ones unharmed.
Origin of 'kill'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Old Norse 'killa', which meant to 'strike' or 'hit'.
- In Middle English, the term took on a more serious connotation, related to taking life.
- The evolution of the word reflects changing attitudes towards violence and death across cultures.
The word 'kill' has Old English origins, with roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'khillan' meaning 'to strike'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include causing the death of living beings intentionally. The word has been used in various contexts, from hunting and warfare to modern-day slang.