Definition

Verb: - To eliminate or cause the extinction of a large number of people, animals, or things, often systematically or completely. It implies a widespread, thorough destruction.

Usage

The verb "kill off" is used to describe the act of causing the complete or large-scale elimination of a group, species, concept, or series. It is often transitive and can be used in both literal (biological) and figurative contexts.

Examples

• The new pesticide threatened to kill off the entire population of bees in the region.
• The television network decided to kill off the show's main character to boost ratings.
• A sudden frost can kill off delicate plants overnight.
• The company's aggressive pricing strategy aimed to kill off its smaller competitors.

Advanced Usage

• In serialized fiction: Commonly used to describe the permanent removal of a character from a story.
  • The author famously killed off the hero in the final chapter.
• In business/competition: Used metaphorically to describe making something obsolete or defeating competition.
  • The new software update killed off the need for the old application.

Variants and Related Words

• Kill (verb): To cause the death of a living organism. ("Kill off" intensifies this to mean cause death on a large or complete scale).
• Exterminate (verb): To destroy completely, often synonymous with "kill off" but can imply a more deliberate, targeted campaign.
• Eradicate (verb): To remove or destroy completely, often used for diseases, species, or problems.

Synonyms

• Exterminate
• Wipe out
• Eradicate
• Eliminate
• Annihilate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Die out: (Intransitive) To become extinct or disappear gradually. This is what happens to a group that is "killed off."
  • Many ancient traditions are dying out.

Related Idioms

• To kill two birds with one stone: To achieve two goals with a single action. (Note: This idiom uses "kill," not "kill off," and has a different meaning).

Verb

1. kill en masse; kill on a large scale; kill many
   • Hitler wanted to exterminate the Jews, Gypsies, Communists, and homosexuals of Europe