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.
Instead of killing off the character, writers capitalized on the popularity of the pairing between Luke and Laura Webber (Genie Francis). Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026 Our show has never been a show that’s killing off main characters left and right. Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026 Raw goat milk poses food safety risks because it has not been treated to kill off harmful pathogens. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 30 Dec. 2025 If possible, let your mattress air out in natural sunlight—this can help with smells and even kill off some bacteria, according to Stein. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 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 8 Jan. 2026.

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