killing

Able to cause death.

• The warrior struck a killing blow.
• A killing frost destroyed the young plants.
• They struggled through the killing cold.

Similar words: deadly, lethal, fatal

Common phrases: killing blow, killing frost, killing cold

The act of causing a person or animal to die.

• The killing of civilians must stop.
• She opposes the killing of animals for sport.
• The law prohibits unlawful killing.

How to use it: killing of someone/something (They opposed the killing of wild animals.)

Common phrases: killing of animals, unlawful killing, indiscriminate killing

A very large amount of money gained quickly, especially from a successful deal.

• She made a killing selling her house.
• Investors hoped to make a killing on the deal.
• He made a killing when prices rose.

How to use it: make a killing on something (They made a killing on those shares.)

Similar words: fortune, huge profit

Common phrases: make a killing, killing on something

An event in which someone causes another person to die.

• Police are investigating the killing.
• Two killings occurred in the city last week.
• Was anyone arrested after the killing?

Similar words: homicide

Common phrases: a brutal killing, investigate a killing, a revenge killing