Killer: meaning, definitions and examples

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killer

[ˈkɪlər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

A person who kills another person, usually as a premeditated act. Killers can be motivated by various reasons such as revenge, jealousy, or mental illness.

Synonyms

assassin, murderer, slayer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
killer	Can be used generally for someone or something that kills, not necessarily a person. It is neutral and can refer to animals, diseases, etc. The killer whale is known for its intelligence and strength The disease was a silent killer
murderer	Specific to someone who intentionally and unlawfully kills another person. It has a strong negative connotation. The police caught the murderer after a two-week manhunt She was afraid the murderer might come after her next
assassin	Typically used for someone who kills an important person for political or religious reasons, often in a secretive or stealthy manner. The assassin was hired to eliminate the political leader Medieval kings often had to protect themselves from assassins
slayer	Often used in a more dramatic or fantasy context, usually referring to someone who kills monsters or mythical beings. It has a heroic or legendary connotation. The knight was known as a dragon slayer In the stories, the vampire slayer protected the village from evil

Examples of usage

He was convicted as a cold-blooded killer.
The killer was on the loose, causing fear in the community.
The police are still searching for the killer.
The killer left behind a trail of evidence.
The killer's motive remains unknown.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

entertainment

A particularly impressive or effective thing or person.

Synonyms

amazing, awesome, impressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
killer	This word has a more casual and sometimes edgy or intense tone. It can be used in informal settings to describe something very good or impressive. That was a killer performance! She's got a killer sense of style.
awesome	This word is often used in casual speech to describe something that inspires awe or admiration. It is popular in informal conversations. That concert was awesome! You did an awesome job cleaning up.
amazing	Use this word to describe something that causes great surprise or wonder. It is suitable for both formal and informal situations. The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely amazing. You did an amazing job on the presentation.
impressive	This word is suitable for both formal and informal settings. It is used to describe something that evokes admiration through quality, skill, or size. Her resume is impressive. The architecture of the building is really impressive.

Examples of usage

That movie was a killer at the box office.
The new game console is a killer in terms of performance.
Her dance moves were killer on the dance floor.
The killer guitar solo stole the show.
The killer instinct of the team led them to victory.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

informal

Extremely impressive or effective.

Synonyms

fantastic, outstanding, remarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
killer	Often used in a figurative sense to describe something exceptionally impressive or overwhelming. It can also mean someone who takes lives, and in this context, it has a very negative connotation. That was a killer performance at the concert! The detective was determined to catch the killer.
fantastic	Used to describe something extraordinarily good or impressive. It emphasizes an experience or thing that is highly enjoyable or exceptional. The holiday in Greece was fantastic! She did a fantastic job on her project.
outstanding	Used to describe something that stands out above the rest due to its excellence. Often used in formal contexts such as performance reviews or academic achievements. His grades have been outstanding this semester. The service at the hotel was outstanding.
remarkable	Used to indicate something worthy of notice or extraordinary. Often implies that something is exceptionally good and out of the ordinary. Her ability to speak six languages is remarkable. It's remarkable how much progress we have made.

Examples of usage

This killer app revolutionized the industry.
The killer workout left me exhausted but satisfied.
His killer smile charmed everyone around him.
The killer instinct of the athlete made him a champion.
The killer combination of flavors made the dish unforgettable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English term 'cȳllan', meaning 'to kill or cause to die'.
In Middle English, the term evolved into 'killen' to describe the act of taking a life.
The transition from a simple action to a more thematic term occurred during the 14th century as language and contexts around violence changed.

Pop Culture

The term is commonly used in films and literature, often portrayed in thrillers or horror genres to depict antagonistic characters.
In the gaming world, 'killer' can refer to players who are particularly aggressive or effective in taking down opponents.
Musicians have employed the concept in songs and lyrics, frequently exploring themes of betrayal, danger, and violence, which resonate with audiences.

Psychology

Research suggests that individuals labeled as 'killers' often exhibit various psychological traits, including impulsivity or antisocial behavior.
The fascination with serial killers in media reflects societal tropes around the 'other,' exploring darker aspects of human nature.
Understanding criminal behavior often requires studying the psychological backgrounds of those who commit such acts.

Law

Legal definitions of 'killer' can range from intentional murder to manslaughter, reflecting varying degrees of culpability.
Self-defense laws in many jurisdictions often complicate the classification of a 'killer', depending on the circumstances leading to the act.
Statistical analysis of homicide rates provides insights into factors that contribute to societal violence.

Translations

Translations of the word "killer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assassino

🇮🇳 हत्यारा (hatyara)

🇩🇪 Mörder

🇮🇩 pembunuh

🇺🇦 вбивця

🇵🇱 morderca

🇯🇵 殺人者 (satsujinsha)

🇫🇷 tueur

🇪🇸 asesino

🇹🇷 katil

🇰🇷 살인자 (sal-inja)

🇸🇦 قاتل (qatil)

🇨🇿 vrah

🇸🇰 vrah

🇨🇳 杀手 (shāshǒu)

🇸🇮 morilec

🇮🇸 morðingi

🇰🇿 қаскүнем (qaskünem)

🇬🇪 მკვლელი (mk'vleli)

🇦🇿 qatil

🇲🇽 asesino

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,880 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8877 proportionate
8878 inverted
8879 negatively
8880 killer
8881 labelled
8882 boost
8883 affiliation
...