kill
kill Lexical Profile
kill Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause the death of a person, animal, plant, or other living organism.
"The unexpected late spring frost threatened to kill the delicate apple blossoms."
To put an end to, cancel, or defeat a plan, legislative bill, project, or feeling.
"The committee voted to kill the proposed amendment before it reached the senate floor."
To turn off or stop an engine, light, electrical device, or sound (informal).
"The director asked the stagehand to kill the overhead lights before the curtain rose."
To pass or spend unoccupied time aimlessly while waiting for a scheduled event.
"With two hours to kill before our train departed, we browsed a nearby bookstore."
To cause severe physical pain, discomfort, or exhaustion to someone (informal).
"After walking ten miles across the cobblestone streets, my feet were starting to kill me."
• noun
An act of causing death, or an animal that has been hunted and slain by a predator or hunter.
"The documentary crew observed the lioness guarding her fresh kill on the savanna."
In volleyball, racket sports, and similar games, a decisive, unreturnable attacking shot that immediately scores a point.
"The outside hitter leaped above the net and delivered a powerful kill to win the set."
American A creek, stream, or tidal channel, especially in areas of the northeastern United States settled by the Dutch (such as the Hudson River Valley and Delaware Valley).
"Several historic stone bridges still span the winding kill near the old Dutch settlement."
• Rhymes for kill
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The primary sense derives from Middle English cullen or killen, meaning 'to strike, beat, or put to death', likely related to Old English cwellan ('to quell'). The regional geographical noun meaning 'stream or creek' enters American English separately from Middle Dutch kille ('riverbed or channel').