Kill

Definition

Kill is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to cause the death of a living being or to put an end to something. As a noun, it can refer to the act of killing or, in some contexts, a geographical feature such as a stream or channel (primarily in certain English dialects).

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kɪl/
• Respelling: KIL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kɪl/
• Respelling: KIL

Etymology

The word "kill" originates from the Old English "cyllan," meaning "to strike, beat, or kill." It is possibly influenced by Old Norse "kolla," meaning "to hit on the head." The modern sense of causing death became widely used in Middle English.

Derivatives

• Killer (noun)
• Killing (noun/verb)
• Killable (adjective)
• Overkill (noun)
• Killjoy (noun)

Synonyms

• Slay
• Eliminate
• Destroy

Antonyms

• Preserve
• Save
• Protect

Usage

The verb "kill" is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For instance, "The hunter killed the deer" refers to causing death, while "She tried to kill time by reading a book" uses the term figuratively. The noun "kill" is less common but appears in contexts such as "The hunter made a clean kill."

Related Terms

• Terminate: To bring to an end.
• Extinguish: To put out or end something, such as a fire or life.
• Annihilate: To destroy completely.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To cause the death of a living being: Refers to the act of ending life.
  • Example: "The soldier was trained to kill in combat."
• To put an end to something: Refers to ceasing or eliminating a process or action.
  • Example: "The company decided to kill the failing project."
• To pass or occupy time: Refers to using time in an idle or leisurely way.
  • Example: "She played games to kill time during the layover."

Noun

• The act of causing death: Refers to the event or process of killing.
  • Example: "The predator made a quick kill to feed its young."
• A geographical feature (in certain dialects): Refers to a stream, channel, or creek, particularly in Dutch-influenced areas of the United States.
  • Example: "The Catskill region is named after a creek called a kill."