How Do You Spell KILLER?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "killer" is fairly straightforward. It adheres to the basic rules of English phonetics. The IPA phonetic transcription for "killer" is /ˈkɪlər/. The word begins with the consonant sound ‘k' followed by the short ‘i' sound. The next syllable is the vowel ‘a' followed by the consonant ‘l'. The final syllable is the unstressed ‘er' sound. Overall, the spelling of "killer" is consistent with the basic patterns of English pronunciation.

KILLER Meaning and Definition

  1. Killer is a noun that refers to a person or thing that causes death, typically intentionally or unlawfully. In its literal sense, a killer is an individual who commits murder or takes the life of another person. They engage in an act of killing, deliberately causing the death of someone else. This term is often associated with criminal activity and is commonly used to describe a person who has ended another person's life unlawfully.

    However, killer can also be figuratively used to describe something that is extremely effective or impressive. In this sense, it denotes something notable or powerful enough to outperform others in a particular context. This can apply to a wide range of scenarios, such as an exceptionally successful businessperson being called a "killer entrepreneur," or an outstanding performance being regarded as a "killer show." The term is employed to emphasize exceptional competence or excellence.

    Moreover, the term killer is sometimes used metaphorically to describe an action, experience, or situation so challenging or strenuous that it becomes overwhelming or exhausting. For instance, one might refer to a demanding workout routine as a "killer exercise" or an all-night study session as a "killer preparation." In these cases, the word accentuates the intensity or arduousness of the task at hand.

    Overall, whether it pertains to ending a life, exceptional prowess, or intensity, the term "killer" varies in meaning depending on its context.

Common Misspellings for KILLER

Etymology of KILLER

The word "killer" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It derives from the Middle English term "killere", which emerged in the 14th century and originally meant "someone or something that kills". The Middle English word itself can be traced back to the Old English term "cyllere", which had a similar meaning. Both "killere" and "cyllere" have their roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*kiljaz", which means "to strike or kill". This Proto-Germanic term, in turn, can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*gʷelH-", meaning "to cut or strike". Over time, the word "killer" has been retained in various Germanic languages, with similar forms appearing in Old High German and Old Norse.

Idioms with the word KILLER

  • baby killer The idiom "baby killer" is a derogatory term used to describe someone, usually a soldier, who is accused of intentionally causing the death of innocent, defenseless individuals, often including infants or young children, typically in a war or conflict situation. This phrase is commonly used to express extreme disapproval or moral outrage towards someone perceived as responsible for the deliberate harm or death of innocent lives, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. It is important to note that this idiom may carry strong emotional and offensive connotations.
  • lady killer The idiom "lady killer" refers to a man who is perceived to be exceptionally attractive, suave, and charming, and who has the ability to effortlessly capture the romantic attention of women.
  • killer weed The idiom "killer weed" is a term commonly used to describe a particularly potent or dangerous form of marijuana. It implies that the strength or effects of the marijuana strain are significantly more potent or harmful compared to regular or average cannabis varieties.
  • killer-diller The idiom "killer-diller" is slang that originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It refers to something or someone that is exceptionally outstanding, impressive, or remarkable, often in terms of quality, performance, or style. It is commonly used to describe something that is exciting, extraordinary, or highly skillful.
  • killer T cell The idiom "killer T cell" refers to a type of white blood cell called a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, which plays a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying infected cells or cells that have become cancerous. These cells are called "killer" because of their ability to specifically target and eliminate harmful cells in the body.
  • killer instinct The idiom "killer instinct" refers to someone's strong and ruthless determination, aggression, or competitive nature in pursuing their goals or achieving success. It describes an individual's ability to quickly and decisively take action, often without hesitation or mercy, in order to achieve their objectives.
  • thrill killer

Similar spelling words for KILLER

Plural form of KILLER is KILLERS

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