killing
word · lemma: kill
Definition
The act of causing the death of a person or animal, often deliberately. Can also refer to a great success or achievement in informal speech.
Usage & Nuances
Most common as a noun for a deliberate act of causing death ('a killing'). Sometimes informal: 'make a killing' means to earn a lot of money quickly. Not to be confused with 'murder' (which always refers to unlawful killing of people).
Example Sentences
There was a killing in the city last night.
basic
Killing animals for sport is illegal in many places.
basic
The police are investigating the killing of a young man.
basic
They made a killing selling those rare coins online.
natural
The documentary showed the illegal killing of endangered species.
natural
Everyone heard about the shocking killing on the news.
natural