How Do You Spell KILL?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪl] (IPA)

The word "kill" is spelled with the letters K-I-L-L. It is pronounced as /kɪl/, where the first sound is a voiceless velar plosive followed by a short "i" vowel sound and a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative. The final sound is also a voiceless velar plosive. This word can have different meanings depending on the context, such as causing the death of a person or an animal, or being extremely successful in a game or competition.

KILL Meaning and Definition

  1. Kill is a transitive verb that refers to the act of causing the death of a living organism, typically intentionally. It embodies the idea of ending the life or terminating the existence of a person, animal, or plant. The term may also carry other connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

    In the context of humans, killing usually refers to the intentional act of causing death, often involving the use of weapons or other violent means. It can be carried out with various motives, including self-defense, protection of others, criminal intent, or in the context of warfare. Killing can also be sanctioned by legal authorities as a form of punishment, though this is subject to specific legal frameworks and guidelines.

    When it comes to animals and plants, killing typically refers to the purposeful act of ending their lives for various reasons, such as in hunting, slaughtering for food consumption, or extermination for population control.

    The term 'kill' can also be used metaphorically or in a non-literal sense, such as when referring to the termination or destruction of an idea, a project, or any non-living object.

    Overall, kill can be understood as the intentional act that results in the cessation of life for a living organism, encompassing a range of motives, methods, and contexts.

Common Misspellings for KILL

Etymology of KILL

The word kill can be traced back to the Old English word cyllan which meant to strike or to beat. This Old English term is related to the Old High German word chellan and the Old Norse word kolla, both of which also meant to strike or to hit. Over time, the meaning of kill shifted specifically to mean to deprive of life or to cause the death of someone or something.

Idioms with the word KILL

  • kill sth stonedead The idiom "kill something stonedead" means to completely eradicate or eliminate something, usually in a decisive or forceful manner. It implies a thorough and irreversible destruction or termination of the said thing or situation.
  • kill two birds with one stone The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" means to achieve two aims or complete two tasks with a single action or effort. This expression highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of accomplishing multiple objectives simultaneously.
  • kill or cure The idiom "kill or cure" is used to describe a risky or extreme course of action that may either solve a problem completely or make it even worse. It implies that there are only two possible outcomes: significant success or ultimate failure.
  • be in at the kill The idiom "be in at the kill" refers to someone being present or involved in the final decisive or successful stage of an endeavor or a conquest. It implies being there to witness or participate in the victory or achievement. The expression often originated from hunting, where being present at the moment when the prey is killed was considered a significant part of the experience and a mark of bravery.
  • kill time The idiom "kill time" means to spend time in a way that is not productive or useful, usually to make the time pass more quickly while waiting for something else to happen.
  • kill for sth The idiom "kill for sth" means being desperately or extremely eager to have or obtain something. It conveys a strong desire or longing for something valuable or desirable, to the point of being willing to do anything or make great sacrifices to obtain it.
  • kill (sm or an animal) off The idiom "kill (someone or an animal) off" means to cause the gradual or sudden extinction of a particular species, group, or individual. It can also be used metaphorically to describe eliminating or eradicating something completely or weakening it significantly.
  • in at the kill The idiom "in at the kill" generally refers to being present or involved in the decisive or final moment of success or victory, especially in a competitive or combative situation. It originates from hunting terminology, where being "in at the kill" means being present at the moment when the hunted prey is finally killed or captured. Metaphorically, it signifies being involved in the conclusive or triumphant outcome of an endeavor.
  • a buzz kill The idiom "a buzz kill" refers to something or someone that dampens or spoils the excitement, enjoyment, or enthusiasm of a situation or event. It is often used to describe a person, behavior, or circumstance that brings a sudden change in mood or atmosphere, typically by introducing negativity, disappointment, or disapproval.
  • kill the clock "Kill the clock" is an idiom that means to intentionally delay or prolong an activity, typically with the objective of using up time or avoiding further action or progress.
  • dress to kill The idiom "dress to kill" means to dress or style oneself in an outstanding or impressive manner, with the intention of attracting attention or making a powerful impression, typically in a formal or elegant attire. The phrase often conveys the sense of dressing to be noticed, admired, or to evoke envy or admiration from others.
  • fill or kill The idiom "fill or kill" is a term commonly used in finance, particularly in stock trading. It refers to an order placed by an investor to either completely fill the order at the specified price or cancel it immediately (kill) if it cannot be immediately executed. This term is often used when there is a requirement for prompt execution and no partial filling of the order is acceptable.
  • go (in) for the kill The idiom "go (in) for the kill" means to pursue or execute a plan or action in a manner that is aggressive, forceful, or determined to achieve a decisive victory or outcome, often by taking advantage of a vulnerable situation. It is often used in situations where a person or group is aiming to achieve success by delivering a final blow or making a significant impact.
  • (one) will kill (someone) The idiom "(one) will kill (someone)" is a figurative expression used to convey extreme annoyance, frustration, or anger towards someone or something. It suggests that the person speaking is highly agitated and may not hold back their emotions or actions towards the subject of their anger. However, it is essential to note that the idiom is not to be taken literally and does not imply any actual harm or violence. It is simply an exaggerated way of expressing one's strong negative emotions.
  • kill (one)self The idiom "kill oneself" refers to the act of putting in an extreme amount of effort or working very hard in order to achieve or accomplish something. It is often used figuratively to express utmost dedication or perseverance.
  • kill (oneself) (doing something) The idiom "kill oneself (doing something)" means to put in a great amount of effort or work very hard to achieve something. It implies dedicating one's time, energy, and focus towards a particular task or goal, often involving a significant investment of physical or mental exertion.
  • kill for The idiom "kill for" means to have intense desire, longing, or willingness to do anything, even resort to extreme measures, in order to obtain or achieve something.
  • kill me The idiom "kill me" is an expression used to convey extreme exasperation, frustration, or a desire for relief from a difficult or unbearable situation. It does not imply a literal desire for death but rather an exaggeration of one's emotional state.
  • kill off The idiom "kill off" means to eliminate or cause the death of someone or something, often in a deliberate or systematic manner. It can be used figuratively to describe getting rid of or putting an end to something, such as a character in a story or a product in a business.
  • kill (someone or an animal) off The idiom "kill (someone or an animal) off" typically refers to causing the death or extinction of a person or animal. Figuratively, it can also mean eliminating or removing a character, idea, or concept from a story, show, or discussion.
  • kill the goose that lays the golden eggs The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" means to harm or destroy a valuable or productive asset, often out of greed or short-sightedness. It refers to the fable of a goose that lays golden eggs, symbolizing a reliable source of wealth or prosperity. Killing the goose in the story results in losing the potential future benefits. In real-life contexts, the idiom warns against sacrificing long-term gains for immediate gratification or profit, ultimately leading to negative consequences.
  • kill with kindness The idiom "kill with kindness" means to overwhelm someone with excessive kindness or generosity in order to disarm or confuse them, often with the intention of ultimately defeating or winning over them.
  • have time to kill The idiom "have time to kill" means to have an abundance of free time, typically with no particular purpose or activity to occupy oneself with. It implies having extra time available, often when waiting for something, without feeling pressured or rushed.
  • kill (one) with kindness The idiom "kill (one) with kindness" means to overwhelm or disarm someone with excessive kindness or generosity, often to frustrate or annoy them.
  • Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s). The idiom "Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s)" means to destroy a valuable or profitable resource or asset by being overly greedy or shortsighted in one's actions or decisions. It refers to a fable of an owner who becomes greedy and kills the goose that lays golden eggs, hoping to obtain all the eggs at once, but ends up losing the future steady supply of golden eggs. Therefore, the idiom is often used to caution against sacrificing long-term benefits for immediate gains.
  • go for the kill The idiom "go for the kill" is used to describe the act of taking a decisive and aggressive action in order to achieve a final success or conclusive outcome. It usually implies a strategy or approach that involves defeating or finishing off an opponent or completing a task with determination and ruthlessness. It is often used metaphorically to indicate a no-holds-barred approach in achieving a goal or securing a victory.
  • kill for something The idiom "kill for something" means having an intense desire or willingness to do anything to obtain or achieve that particular thing. It signifies an extreme level of craving or longing for something, often implying that the person desires it so strongly that they would go to great lengths, metaphorically speaking, even resorting to extreme measures.
  • kill sb with kindness The idiom "kill someone with kindness" means to treat someone excessively kindly or to show them an overwhelming amount of kindness, often leading them to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
  • kill someone with (or by) kindness The idiom "kill someone with kindness" means to overwhelm or confuse someone by showing them excessive and unexpected kindness or generosity. It implies that the person on the receiving end may be unable to handle or comprehend such an overwhelming level of kindness, thus figuratively "killing" or defeating them.
  • kill the fatted calf The idiom "kill the fatted calf" refers to the act of celebrating and preparing a special feast or event to welcome someone back, particularly after a long absence or a significant achievement. The phrase originates from the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, where the father slaughters the fattened calf to celebrate his son's return. It symbolizes a joyous occasion and lavishing hospitality upon someone.
  • be dressed to kill The idiom "be dressed to kill" means to be wearing very stylish or attention-grabbing clothing, in order to make a strong impression or attract admiration.
  • kill (oneself) laughing The idiom "kill (oneself) laughing" is an exaggerated expression used to convey extreme amusement or laughter. It means to find something so hilariously funny that it feels as if one might die from excessive laughter.
  • kill somebody with kindness The idiom "kill somebody with kindness" means to purposely overwhelm or subdue someone with excessive kindness, often in a situation where the person may be hostile or difficult. Rather than responding with anger or negativity, this idiom suggests using extreme kindness to disarm or frustrate the other person.
  • kill time, an hour, etc. The idiom "kill time" means to spend time in an unproductive or leisurely manner in order to pass the time until a specific event or engagement. It implies engaging in activities or actions that may not have a specific purpose or goal, but are done to prevent boredom or make the time seem shorter. It is often used when waiting for something or someone. For example, if you have an hour to spare before a meeting, you might "kill time" by browsing the internet or playing games on your phone.
  • fit to kill The idiom "fit to kill" typically means someone looks extremely attractive, stylish, or elegant. It often implies that the person is impeccably dressed or groomed and ready to make a strong impression.
  • have (sm) time to kill The idiom "have (sm) time to kill" means having a lot of free time with nothing specific to do, often used in a situation where someone is waiting or has spare time available.
  • close in for the kill The idiom "close in for the kill" means to approach or move nearer to a target or goal with the intention of completing or achieving it. It originates from hunting or predatory animals that tend to get closer to their prey before ultimately capturing or defeating it.
  • what doesn't kill you makes you stronger The idiom "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" means that enduring difficult or challenging experiences can build resilience and fortitude, making a person stronger physically, emotionally, or mentally. It suggests that surviving hardship and adversity can lead to personal growth and increased strength to face future challenges.
  • kill something stone dead The idiom "kill something stone dead" means to completely eliminate or destroy something, leaving no chance for its revival or recovery. It emphasizes the permanent and irreversible nature of the action taken.
  • don't kill the messenger The idiom "don't kill the messenger" means to not blame or harm the person who delivers unpleasant or unwanted news or information, as they are not responsible for the message itself. It emphasizes the importance of separating the messenger from the message and not punishing or taking out frustration on the bearer of bad news.
  • (one) is going to kill (someone) The idiom "(one) is going to kill (someone)" is often used figuratively to convey extreme anger, frustration, or annoyance towards someone. It does not imply any intention or threat of actual physical harm or violence, but rather emphasizes strong negative emotions.
  • kill (someone) with extreme prejudice The idiom "kill (someone) with extreme prejudice" means to eliminate someone with aggressive determination, usually with a particular purpose or utmost hostility and without any hesitation or reservation. It often implies the use of lethal force without regards to legal or moral constraints. The phrase gained popularity through its usage in the 1979 movie "Apocalypse Now" and is commonly associated with military or espionage-related contexts.
  • kill yourself The idiom "kill yourself" is an offensive and derogatory expression used to demean or insult someone, usually by suggesting or encouraging them to commit suicide. It is important to note that using such language is highly inappropriate and can have severe emotional and psychological consequences for those targeted.
  • move/go in for the kill The idiom "move/go in for the kill" means to make a decisive and aggressive move or action to secure a victory or accomplish a goal. It is often used in situations where there is competition or conflict, indicating that someone is making a final, determined effort to achieve success.
  • dressed to kill The idiom "dressed to kill" refers to someone who is wearing fashionable or alluring clothing in order to make a striking impression, often with the intention of attracting attention or admiration.
  • if looks could kill... The definition of the idiom "if looks could kill..." refers to a situation where someone's intense or angry gaze suggests that if their negative emotions or thoughts could physically harm or kill another person, they would. It signifies a powerful and menacing expression or stare that conveys extreme negative feelings.
  • kill yourself doing something The idiom "kill yourself doing something" is an exaggerated expression used to emphasize the great amount of effort, hard work, or dedication one invests in a particular task or activity. It implies going above and beyond what is normally expected, often at the expense of one's own well-being or personal life.
  • look fit to kill The idiom "look fit to kill" means that someone appears extremely angry, fierce, or ready to cause harm. It often describes someone's intense facial expression or body language that conveys a strong desire or determination to confront or harm someone else.
  • kill sm with kindness The idiom "kill someone with kindness" means to respond to someone's negativity or unkindness with excessive kindness and generosity, often in an attempt to disarm or frustrate them. It involves treating them in an unusually kind and gentle manner, with the intention of disarming their hostility or causing them to feel guilty about their behavior.
  • move in for the kill The definition of the idiom "move in for the kill" is to take decisive action in order to secure victory or achieve a desired outcome. It often implies a strategic or aggressive approach, where one seizes the opportunity to finish or defeat someone or something with a final blow.
  • kill the goose that lays the golden egg/eggs The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg/eggs" means to ruin or destroy a valuable or profitable thing or situation by being overzealous or greedy in trying to maximize short-term gains. It suggests that by trying to get more than what is sustainable or by not appreciating and nourishing something that is already providing great benefits, one ends up losing everything in the long run.
  • I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you The idiom "I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you" is a humorous way of expressing that the information being withheld is highly classified or top secret. It implies that revealing the information could have severe consequences, even reaching the extreme of having to eliminate the person who learns it to maintain secrecy.
  • kill yourself laughing The idiom "kill yourself laughing" is typically used to describe an extremely humorous situation that causes uncontrollable laughter. It suggests that something is so funny that it would bring someone close to the point of laughter-induced harm or exhaustion.
  • kill (an amount of time) The idiom "kill (an amount of time)" means to spend time doing something, usually without any specific purpose or goal, in order to pass the time or wait for something else to happen. It implies that the time is wasted or used unproductively.
  • that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger The idiom "that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" means that the challenges or difficult experiences one faces in life, if one survives them, can make them mentally, emotionally, or physically stronger and more resilient. It implies that adversity and hardships can lead to personal growth and development.
  • in for the kill The idiom "in for the kill" refers to the act of being fully committed or determined to achieve a final victory or success in a situation or endeavor. It is often used to describe someone who is relentless and focused on achieving their objective, regardless of the difficulties or obstacles they may encounter.
  • kill someone with kindness The idiom "kill someone with kindness" means to overwhelm or disarm someone by being kind, generous, or excessively nice towards them, often in a situation where they are behaving rudely or being hostile. It involves responding to hostility or negativity with extreme kindness to the extent that it disarms or frustrates the other person, making it difficult for them to continue their negative behavior.
  • kill the goose that lays the golden egg The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg" means to destroy or ruin a valuable and reliable source of income by being greedy or short-sighted in pursuit of quick gains.
  • be in at the death/kill To be present at the very end or decisive moment of a situation or event, especially when someone is close to achieving success or victory.

Similar spelling words for KILL

Plural form of KILL is KILLS

Conjugate verb Kill

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have killed
you would have killed
he/she/it would have killed
we would have killed
they would have killed
I would have kill
you would have kill
he/she/it would have kill
we would have kill
they would have kill

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been killing
you would have been killing
he/she/it would have been killing
we would have been killing
they would have been killing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would kill
you would kill
he/she/it would kill
we would kill
they would kill

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be killing
you would be killing
he/she/it would be killing
we would be killing
they would be killing

FUTURE

I will kill
you will kill
he/she/it will kill
we will kill
they will kill

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be killing
you will be killing
he/she/it will be killing
we will be killing
they will be killing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have killed
you will have killed
he/she/it will have killed
we will have killed
they will have killed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been killing
you will have been killing
he/she/it will have been killing
we will have been killing
they will have been killing

IMPERATIVE

you kill
we let´s kill

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to kill

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was killing
you were killing
he/she/it was killing
we were killing
they were killing

PAST PARTICIPLE

killed

PAST PERFECT

I had killed
you had killed
he/she/it had killed
we had killed
they had killed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been killing
you had been killing
he/she/it had been killing
we had been killing
they had been killing

PRESENT

I kill
you kill
he/she/it kills
we kill
they kill

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am killing
you are killing
he/she/it is killing
we are killing
they are killing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

killing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have killed
you have killed
he/she/it has killed
we have killed
they have killed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been killing
you have been killing
he/she/it has been killing
we have been killing
they have been killing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it kill

SIMPLE PAST

I killed
you killed
he/she/it killed
we killed
they killed

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