slay

Everyday

1. (old, literary) To kill violently, especially in battle or a story. tree →
2. (slang) To do something brilliantly or look amazing: «You slayed that dance!» tree →
3. (informal) To make someone laugh a lot: «That joke slays me.» tree →

In the lessons

In fairy tales and the Bible: knights slay dragons; David slew Goliath. In children's slang today, «slay» means do amazingly. Phrases: «slay the dragon», «you slay», «slayed it».

Examples

• The knight set off to slay the dragon. tree →
• In the Bible, David slew the giant Goliath. tree →
• You slayed that song at the talent show! tree →
• Her costume totally slays. tree →
• That cartoon slays me every time. tree →
• Many soldiers were slain in the battle. tree →
• "Do not slay me," he said. tree →

Note

Two past forms: old sense «slew, slain»; slang sense «slayed». Do not confuse with «sleigh» (sledge pulled by reindeer) — same sound.

In Jewish tradition

In fairy tales and the Bible: knights slay dragons; David slew Goliath. In children's slang today, «slay» means do amazingly. Phrases: «slay the dragon», «you slay», «slayed it».

Examples

• Behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.' — (Torah EXO.4.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. (Torah EXO.2.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay an innocent person. (Torah DEU.27.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. (Writings PSA.37.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. (Writings PSA.94.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall slay him. (Writings JOB.20.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Two past forms: old sense «slew, slain»; slang sense «slayed». Do not confuse with «sleigh» (sledge pulled by reindeer) — same sound.