Kill off
verb
To cause the death or end of (something, especially a living creature).
The toxic waste will kill off the local wildlife.
Often appears as...
- kill off bacteria
- kill off wildlife
verb
To stop or end either an activity or idea or the person who is involved in it.
The new regulations might kill off small businesses.
Often appears as...
- kill off hope
- kill off creativity
verb
In film, television, or literature, to remove a character permanently from the ongoing narrative.
They decided to kill off the character in the last episode.
Often appears as...
- kill off a character
- kill off a role
verb
To cause the death or end of (something, especially a living creature).
The toxic waste will kill off the local wildlife.
Often appears as...
- kill off bacteria
- kill off wildlife
verb
To stop or end either an activity or idea or the person who is involved in it.
The new regulations might kill off small businesses.
Often appears as...
- kill off hope
- kill off creativity
verb
In film, television, or literature, to remove a character permanently from the ongoing narrative.
They decided to kill off the character in the last episode.
Often appears as...
- kill off a character
- kill off a role
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Endings
When 'kill off' refers to an actual death or ending, it's typically in a serious or negative context.
Invasive species can kill off native plants.
Pro Tip 2/3Environmental Usage
Commonly used to discuss environmental impacts where human actions cause harm to ecosystems.
Pollution might kill off several fish species in the lake.
Pro Tip 3/3Unintentional Harm
Can imply unintentional consequences when actions inadvertently cause destruction or an end.
Overfishing could accidentally kill off the coral reefs.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Endings
When 'kill off' refers to an actual death or ending, it's typically in a serious or negative context.
Invasive species can kill off native plants.
Pro Tip 2/3Environmental Usage
Commonly used to discuss environmental impacts where human actions cause harm to ecosystems.
Pollution might kill off several fish species in the lake.
Pro Tip 3/3Unintentional Harm
Can imply unintentional consequences when actions inadvertently cause destruction or an end.
Overfishing could accidentally kill off the coral reefs.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Endings
When 'kill off' refers to an actual death or ending, it's typically in a serious or negative context.
Invasive species can kill off native plants.
Pro Tip 2/3Environmental Usage
Commonly used to discuss environmental impacts where human actions cause harm to ecosystems.
Pollution might kill off several fish species in the lake.
Pro Tip 3/3Unintentional Harm
Can imply unintentional consequences when actions inadvertently cause destruction or an end.
Overfishing could accidentally kill off the coral reefs.
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