Langimage
English

killer

|kill/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkɪlər/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɪlə/

(kill)

cause death

Base FormPluralPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounNoun
killkillerskillskillskilledkilledkillingkillskillingskiller
Etymology
Etymology Information

'killer' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cyllan,' where 'cyllan' meant 'to strike or hit.'

Historical Evolution

'cyllan' transformed into the Middle English word 'killen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'kill.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to strike or hit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause death.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person or thing that kills.

The police are searching for the killer.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

something that is very difficult or unpleasant.

That exam was a real killer.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40