kill off

verb

killed off; killing off; kills off
Synonyms of kill offnext

transitive verb

: to destroy in large numbers or totally

Examples of kill off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Fleet’s penalty kill, which ranks first in the PWHL at 88%, killed off all five Goldeneyes power plays, too. ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026 California’s wolves were killed off in the 1920s but started to recolonize the state in 2011. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 The Devils killed off a double-minor to close out the period. CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 Yes, hard-boiling eggs fully kills off any bacteria. Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kill off

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kill off was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Kill off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kill%20off. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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