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.
Luke was originally supposed to be killed off after Geary’s 13 weeks were up and then again after the rape of Laura, but both times the character was spared. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 2025 The writers scrapped plans to kill off Luke and instead capitalized on the popularity of the pairing between Luke and Laura Webber (Genie Francis). Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025 General Hospital killed off Luke in 2022. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025 The show has made a tradition of killing off supporting characters—Barb, Bob, Billy, Eddie—while sparing its central crew. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 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 20 Dec. 2025.

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