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.
His character was killed off in a 2012 plane crash. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025 In the meantime, Temu and AliExpress shoppers expect Trump’s order to kill off business for the platforms unless the US and China reach a trade deal. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 Miller reveals that a major character was almost killed off in the first three episodes of season 6. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The two characters killed off this episode are Adult Van (Lauren Ambrose) and Kodi (Joel McHale). Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 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 18 Apr. 2025.

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