slaying

noun

slay·ing ˈslā-iŋ

plural slayings

Synonyms of slaying next

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: the act of killing a person : killing, murder

—used chiefly in journalistic writing

a gangland slayingSunday's slayings bring to 14 the number of killings this year in what police call gang-related attacks.—

Peter SteinHe is accused of ordering the 1989 slayings and robberies of three drug dealers …—

Joseph P. Fried

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of slaying was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Slaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slaying. Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

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