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kill off

verb

killed off; killing off; kills off

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 Rangers had to kill off a four-minute high-sticking penalty assessed to Brett Berard in the third. CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025 While cooking can kill off bacteria, toxins or off-flavors can remain behind. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025 In May, the Season 36 finale also depicted a future in which Marge Simpson dies, though executive producer Matt Selman refuted reports suggesting the show had killed off the character permanently. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025 Some say diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) needs to die, but killing off the benefits of DEI alongside its limitations is a threat to American lives. Rachel Bergmans, Time, 18 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2025.

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