killer

kill-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person or thing that kills.

  2. 2.

    (informal) Something extremely impressive, difficult, or effective.

  3. 3.

    (as adjective, informal) Extremely good or impressive.

Forms

plural: killers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    killer instinct — the ruthless determination to succeed
  • •
    killer whale — an orca, a large predatory whale
  • •
    lady-killer — a man who is very attractive to women
  • •
    painkiller — a medication that relieves pain

Related words

Antonyms: savior
See also: kill, killers, murderer
Synonyms: murderer, slayer

Etymology

From Middle English killen ("to kill") + the agent suffix -er.