slay
/slei/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To kill violently or in great numbers: "slay" primarily means to kill someone, often suggesting violence, great force, or killing on a significant scale.
- To murder deliberately: It can imply an intentional, premeditated act of killing.
- To overwhelm or impress greatly (informal): In modern, informal usage, "slay" means to perform or look exceptionally well, to be overwhelmingly impressive or successful.
Usage Examples
- Verb (Literal Meaning):
- The hero vowed to slay the dragon.
- The knight slew the tyrant in battle.
- Verb (Informal/Modern Meaning):
- She absolutely slayed her performance on stage last night.
- Your new outfit slays!
Advanced Usage
- "to slay it": to do something exceptionally well; to be very successful.
- You're going to slay it in that interview.
- "slay queen/king" (informal): a person, especially on social media, known for being exceptionally fashionable, confident, or impressive.
- She's a total slay queen with her impeccable style.
Variants and Related Words
- Slayer (noun): One who slays.
- He was known as a dragon slayer.
- Slain (verb, past participle): Killed.
- The villain was finally slain by the hero.
Synonyms
- Kill: To cause the death of.
- Murder: To kill unlawfully and with premeditation.
- Destroy: To put an end to; often used figuratively similar to the informal "slay".
- Slaughter: To kill (people or animals) in a violent or cruel way.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(Note: "Slay" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its usage is typically straightforward.)
Related Idioms
- Slay the dragon: To overcome a great challenge or adversary. (Often used metaphorically).
- Starting her own business was like slaying a dragon.
- Slay in the aisle (informal): To look extremely fashionable or stunning.
- That designer dress had her slaying in the aisle at the gala.
Verb
- kill intentionally and with premeditation
- The mafia boss ordered his enemies murdered