slay
word
/ˈsɫeɪ/
/slˈeɪ/
Definition
To kill someone or something, usually in a dramatic or violent way. In slang, it also means to do something extremely well or look amazing.
Usage & Nuances
Old-fashioned and formal when used for 'kill'; very informal and trendy as slang ('You slay!' = you look amazing). In slang, usually about appearance, performance, or achievements. Not literal killing in slang.
Spanish: matar - fascinar (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): matar - arrasar (gíria)Portuguese (PT): matar - arrasar (gíria)Chinese (Simplified): 杀死 - 超酷（俚语）Chinese (Traditional): 殺死 - 超酷（俚語）Hindi: मार डालना - बेहद अच्छा करना (स्लैंग)Arabic: يقتل - يبهر (عامية)Bengali: হত্যা করা - অসাধারণ দেখানো (স্ল্যাং)Russian: убивать - блистать (разг.)Japanese: 殺す - 最高にカッコいい（スラング）Vietnamese: giết - gây ấn tượng (lóng)Korean: 죽이다 - 멋지다 (속어)Turkish: öldürmek - harika görünmek (argo)Urdu: قتل کرنا - شاندار نظر آنا (سلینگ)Indonesian: membunuh - tampil luar biasa (slang)
Example Sentences
Wow, you absolutely slayed that performance!
natural
The knight set out to slay the dragon.
basic
The hero must slay the monster to save the village.
basic
Legends say only a true king can slay the beast.
basic
She always slays on the red carpet—her outfits are perfect.
natural
If you keep working this hard, you're going to slay your exams.
natural