Killer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A killer is someone or something that causes death, often violently. It can also describe something extremely effective or impressive, like a killer performance or a killer joke. The term is used both literally and informally.
Definition:
A person or thing that kills, or a highly effective or impressive thing.
Synonyms:
murderer, assassin, slayer, executioner
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
savior, protector
Common Collocations:
serial killer, killer instinct, killer whale, killer app
Derivatives:
killing, killable
Usage Tips:
Use "killer" as a noun for someone who kills or as an adjective to describe something extremely effective or impressive.
Common Phrases:
killer instinct, lady killer, killer app
Etymology:
From Middle English "killen," meaning to strike or kill; later generalized to mean causing death or extreme effectiveness.
Examples:
- 1. The killer was finally caught by the police.
- 2. She has a killer smile that lights up the room.
- 3. The new software is a killer app for businesses.
- 4. He felt like a lady killer in his new suit.