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.
His character was killed off-screen in a subsequent season. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026 The concern is now that, on the verge of the game actually becoming a reality, it may be killed off. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Diatomaceous earth is one way to kill off a silverfish infestation, but is only effective in dry areas. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 Pochettino made two substitutes with 10 minutes to go in the match to send on some fresh legs as the USA tried to kill off the game. — David Close, CNN Money, 19 June 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

Rhymes for kill off

See All Rhymes for kill off

Browse Nearby Words

kill-kid
kill off
killogie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kill off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kill%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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