kill off
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- kill en masse; kill on a large scale; kill many
- Hitler wanted to exterminate the Jews, Gypsies, Communists, and homosexuals of Europe