kills
|kills|
/kɪlz/
(kill)
cause death
Etymology
'kill' originates from Old English 'cwellan' (or related West Germanic forms), where the root meant 'to strike, kill, or suffocate.'
'kill' changed through Middle English forms (influenced by Old Norse and other Germanic languages) into the modern English verb 'kill.'
Initially it meant 'to strike, suffocate, or cause death (often violently or forcefully),' and over time it broadened to include senses such as 'terminate' or informal senses like 'cause to laugh' (figurative).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'kill': the number of animals, opponents, or targets someone has killed (often used in hunting or gaming contexts).
She has 5 kills in today's match.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'kill': to cause the death of a person, animal, or living thing.
The farmer kills the injured animal to prevent further suffering.
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Verb 2
to cause the end of something (a plan, project, engine, process); to terminate or stop.
The director kills the scene because it doesn't fit the story.
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Verb 3
(informal) To be extremely funny or successful in entertaining; to make people laugh a lot.
That comedian always kills when he tells that story.
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Last updated: 2025/12/02 11:52