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 character first joined Y&R in 1980 and was originally meant to be killed off and never heard from again. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 Cole Smith picked up a double-minor high-sticking penalty just 11 seconds into third period, but Vegas killed off the four minutes. ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026 Scardapane called Gandolfini and explained the decision to alter the scene and kill off his character. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 The Lightning penalty kill already had killed off a 3-minute, 48-second power play that included 12 seconds at 3-on-5. Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 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 11 May. 2026.

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