kill
UK[kɪl]US[kɪl]
v
To cause the death of a person, animal, or other living thing.
v
To stop or destroy something, such as an idea, feeling, or process.
v
To cause someone or something extreme pain or discomfort.
n
An act of killing, especially of an animal in hunting.
Etymology
The journey of 'kill' begins in the mists of early Germanic languages. It is thought to descend from the Proto-Germanic verb kweljaną, which carried the dual senses of tormenting and putting to death. This root may stretch further back to a Proto-Indo-European source related to the concept of striking or piercing. Entering English as cwellan in Old English, the word's form and pronunciation simplified over centuries into the Middle English killen. Its core meaning has remained remarkably stable, centered on causing death, while also expanding metaphorically to encompass the ending or destruction of non-living things, such as plans, engines, or pain.
Analysis
The word 'kill' is a simplex word of Middle English origin, likely from Old English cyllan (to strike, kill) or cwellan (to kill, murder). Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to Proto-Germanic kweljaną (to torment, kill) and possibly to Proto-Indo-European gʷelH- (to throw, reach, or pierce).
Examples
The hunter did not intend to kill the rare bird.
The committee voted to kill the proposed legislation.
My feet are killing me after that long walk.