killed
Killed (adj) means Describes something or someone that has died as a result of an action or event. Example: “Several soldiers were killed in the ambush.”
How to use killed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving been caused to die.
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Can you complete this real example?
Several soldiers were _____ in the ambush.
Etymology
Past-tense/adjectival form of "kill."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for killed
See all rhymes for killed →Frequently asked questions
What does “killed” mean?
The word “killed” means describes something or someone that has died as a result of an action or event. In plain terms, having been caused to die.
How do you pronounce “killed”?
“Killed” is pronounced kihld (/kɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “killed” in a sentence?
Here is “killed” used in a sentence: “Several soldiers were killed in the ambush.”
What part of speech is “killed”?
“Killed” is an adjective.
Is “killed” a common word?
“Killed” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between killed and died?
"Killed" implies an external cause: a person, animal, or event ended the life through some action, as in killed in a crash. "Died" simply states that life ended, without pointing to a cause. Someone can die of illness or old age, but being killed always involves a force or agent.
What is the difference between killed and murdered?
"Killed" is neutral about intent and legality; it covers accidents, wars, and lawful acts as well as crimes. "Murdered" is narrower and legal, meaning killed unlawfully and, usually, deliberately. Every murder involves someone being killed, but not every killing counts as murder in the eyes of the law.
Is 'killed' only used for people?
No. "Killed" applies to any living thing whose life is ended by an action or event: people, animals, or plants. It also appears figuratively, as in a plan being killed off or an engine being killed, though the core sense is life ended through an external cause.
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