kill

Everyday

1. To make a person, animal or plant die. tree →
2. Informal: to cause great pain: «My feet are killing me». tree →
3. Informal: to stop something: kill the engine, kill time (do something while you wait). tree →
4. A noun: an animal killed by a hunter, such as a lion's kill. tree →

In the lessons

In science: food chains — predators kill prey to eat; frost can kill plants; germs can be killed by soap and heat; some poisons kill. In safety: dangerous things like cars, fire, deep water and electricity can kill — that is why the rules are strict. In stories: a villain or a dragon might be killed. Informal phrases are not real killing: «kill time», «killing me», «dressed to kill». Phrases: kill germs, killed in an accident, kill time, killer whale, weed killer.

Examples

• Lions kill zebras for food. tree →
• Soap kills germs on your hands. tree →
• The frost killed the tomato plants. tree →
• Electricity can kill — never touch wires. tree →
• We played cards to kill time at the airport. tree →
• My new shoes are killing me! tree →
• Killer whales are actually large dolphins. tree →
• Weed killer is poison, so keep away from it. tree →

Note

Regular verb: killed. Many informal uses do not mean death: «kill time», «My legs are killing me», «If Mum finds out she'll kill me» (she'll be very cross). Read the context. «Killer whale» is another name for orca.

In Jewish tradition

Often to slaughter an animal for sacrifice or for food, as well as to put a person to death.

Interpretation. Tradition draws a line between killing animals in the proper way for food or offerings and murder, which is forbidden, since human life is sacred.

Examples

• And when it was killed, Moses dashed the blood against the altar round about. (Torah LEV.8.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. (Torah LEV.14.50, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the coat in the blood; (Torah GEN.37.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. (Prophets 2SA.21.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Evil shall kill the wicked; and they that hate the righteous shall be held guilty. (Writings PSA.34.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• A Psalm of David; Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. (Writings PSA.59.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: killed. Many informal uses do not mean death: «kill time», «My legs are killing me», «If Mum finds out she'll kill me» (she'll be very cross). Read the context. «Killer whale» is another name for orca.