Killing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Killing is the act of causing death, typically of a living being. It can refer to intentional or accidental actions and is often associated with violence or legal consequences.
Definition:
Causing death, ending life, or extremely tiring.
Synonyms:
murdering, slaying, executing, slaughtering
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
saving, preserving
Common Collocations:
killing spree, killing time, killing machine, killing joke
Derivatives:
killer, killable
Usage Tips:
Use "killing" as a noun for the act of causing death or as an adjective meaning exhausting or hilarious (e.g., "a killing joke").
Common Phrases:
make a killing, in at the kill, killing two birds with one stone
Etymology:
From Old English *cwellan* ("to kill"), related to Dutch *kwellen* and German *quälen*.
Examples:
- 1. The soldier was accused of killing an enemy combatant.
- 2. The comedian told a killing joke that had everyone laughing.
- 3. Deforestation is slowly killing many animal species.
- 4. She worked a killing schedule last week and needs rest.