When something kills, it makes another living thing stop living.
For example, if a car hits an animal, the car kills the animal.
A very strong medicine can also kill a sickness.
Sometimes, we say something kills our fun if it stops us from having a good time.
When we say something kills, it means it makes something stop living. For example, a big storm can kill trees. We also use kills when something stops working or ends completely. Like when a bad idea kills a plan. It's about stopping life or stopping something from continuing.
When we say something kills, it means it causes something else to die. For example, 'A snake's venom often kills its prey quickly.'
It can also mean to destroy or end something completely, even if it's not a living thing. Think of it like this: 'The loud music really kills my ability to concentrate.' Here, it means the music destroys her concentration.
You might also hear it when something defeats another thing entirely, like in a competition or argument. For instance, 'Our team's new strategy kills the competition.' This means their strategy completely defeats the other teams.
So, kills can be used for actual death, or for completely ending or destroying something in a strong way.
When we say something kills, it most commonly means it causes death. For example, 'The venom of that snake kills its prey quickly.'
However, 'kills' can also be used in a less literal sense. You might hear someone say, 'This new policy kills all hope for a quick resolution,' meaning it completely destroys or ends the hope.
Another common figurative use is when something is extremely good or impressive. For instance, 'That new song absolutely kills!' Here, it means the song is incredibly good or successful.
So, while the primary meaning relates to causing death, pay attention to the context to understand if it's literal or figurative.
When we use the verb 'to kill' at a C1 level, we often encounter its more nuanced or figurative meanings. Beyond the literal sense of causing death, 'to kill' can describe the complete destruction or cessation of something, like a dream or an initiative. For example, 'The budget cuts killed the project' implies its absolute termination. Additionally, it can refer to overcoming or defeating something decisively, such as 'He killed the competition with his innovative idea.' In some contexts, it can even mean to pass time, as in 'killing time before an appointment.' Understanding these varied applications is key to mastering its use.
When we use the verb 'kills', we're often talking about ending a life. For example, 'The hunter kills the deer for food.' This is a direct and literal use.
However, 'kills' can also be used in a more abstract way. Think about phrases like 'The bad news kills my motivation' or 'That joke kills me!' Here, it doesn't mean actual death, but rather that something is completely destroyed, defeated, or even makes you laugh a lot.
It's important to understand the context to know if 'kills' refers to a literal ending of life or a figurative, impactful destruction or overwhelming emotion.
kills 30秒了解
- Causes death
- Destroys completely
- Ends something
§ What 'Kills' Really Means
The word 'kills' is a common verb in English, and you'll hear it often. At its most basic level, 'kills' means to cause something to die. This could be a person, an animal, or even a plant. It's a strong word, and it's used in serious situations.
- DEFINITION
- To cause the death of a person, animal, or other living thing. (literal meaning)
For example, if a hunter shoots a deer, we can say, 'The hunter kills the deer.' Or, tragically, if a disease is very severe, we might say, 'The disease kills many people.' It's pretty straightforward when we're talking about living things and their end.
Smoking kills thousands of people each year.
But 'kills' isn't just for literal death. We also use it in a figurative way to mean destroying, ending, or defeating something completely. This is where it gets a bit more interesting and where you'll see it used in everyday conversations in a less grim way.
- DEFINITION
- To destroy, end, or defeat something completely. (figurative meaning)
Think about things like 'killing time' or 'killing a joke.' In these cases, no one is actually dying. When you 'kill time,' you're just spending time doing something unimportant while you wait. When you 'kill a joke,' you're making it unfunny, perhaps by explaining it too much or telling it badly.
Here are some common ways people use 'kills' in a figurative sense:
- 'It kills me when...': This means something annoys or upsets you greatly. It's an emotional reaction, not a physical one.
- 'That kills it!': This means something ruins a good situation or idea.
- 'Kills the mood': Something happens that makes a pleasant atmosphere disappear.
- 'Kills his chances': Someone does something that completely ruins their opportunity to succeed.
- 'The heat really kills my appetite': High temperatures can make someone not want to eat.
Understanding these different uses is key to sounding more natural in English. You'll notice that in many of these figurative uses, 'kills' emphasizes a complete and decisive end to something, whether it's a feeling, a chance, or even just time.
The sudden rainstorm kills our plans for a picnic.
So, while the basic meaning of 'kills' is about ending life, its use extends far beyond that in everyday English. Pay attention to the surrounding words, and you'll quickly figure out if someone is talking about something serious or just a ruined mood.
§ In the news
The word 'kills' is very common in news reports, especially when talking about unfortunate events like accidents, natural disasters, or conflicts. News writers use it to describe the immediate and direct cause of death.
A powerful earthquake in the region kills dozens and injures hundreds.
Here, 'kills' tells us directly what the earthquake did. It's a very direct and impactful word for reporting.
The new virus strain kills certain cells in the body, leading to severe illness.
§ In everyday conversation and at work
While we hope to not use 'kills' in its literal sense often, it's quite common to hear it used figuratively. This is where it means to destroy, end, or defeat something completely. It adds a bit of dramatic flair to what you're saying.
To destroy plans or opportunities:
The bad weather kills our plans for the outdoor picnic.
Here, 'kills' means the bad weather completely ended the possibility of the picnic. It didn't just delay it; it prevented it from happening at all.
To end a mood or enthusiasm:
That boring meeting really kills my enthusiasm for the project.
This means the meeting totally ruined their positive feeling about the project.
To defeat or overcome something, especially in sports or games:
Our team kills the competition in the final game.
In this context, it implies a decisive and complete victory.
§ In school and academic contexts
In academic settings, you might hear 'kills' used in a scientific or historical context, particularly when discussing processes that lead to the destruction of something, or events that caused widespread death. It's often used with precision to describe specific mechanisms.
- DEFINITION
- In biology, 'kills' can refer to a specific substance or process that destroys living cells or organisms.
The antibiotic effectively kills the bacteria responsible for the infection.
This is a precise use of the word to describe the action of the antibiotic. You can also find it in historical discussions:
The famine of the 14th century kills a significant portion of the European population.
§ Understanding 'kills' vs. other verbs
The word 'kills' is quite strong, and it's important to understand when it's the right choice and when other words might be better. While 'kills' often refers to ending a life, it has figurative uses too. Let's look at some similar words and how they compare.
§ 'Kills' and its direct synonyms
When talking about ending a life, 'kills' is very direct. Here are some words that mean something similar:
- Murders: This word specifically refers to unlawfully killing a human being. It implies malice or premeditation.
The detective investigated who murders the victim.
- Slaughters: This often refers to killing animals, usually for food, or a large number of people in a brutal way.
The farmer slaughters the chickens for market.
- Executes: This means to kill someone, especially as a legal punishment.
The government executes criminals for serious offenses.
§ 'Kills' in a figurative sense
'Kills' can also be used to mean destroying or ending something completely, even if it's not a living thing.
- Destroys: This is a very common alternative when 'kills' is used figuratively. It means to put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it.
The bad news destroys his hopes for success.
In this example, 'kills his hopes' would also work, but 'destroys his hopes' is perhaps more common and slightly less dramatic.
- Ends/Finishes: These are softer alternatives when you want to convey stopping something.
The final whistle ends the game.
You wouldn't typically say 'the final whistle kills the game' here, as 'ends' or 'finishes' are more appropriate and natural.
- Defeats: When referring to overcoming an opponent or an obstacle.
The team defeats their rivals in the championship.
§ When to use 'kills'
'Kills' is a strong verb. Use it:
- When directly referring to causing the death of a living being.
- EXAMPLE
- The poison kills insects quickly.
- When emphasizing the complete destruction or ending of something, often with a sense of finality.
- EXAMPLE
- The heat kills his motivation to work.
In summary, while 'kills' is a versatile word, understanding its nuances and alternatives will help you use it more precisely and effectively in your English communication.
How Formal Is It?
"The recent natural disaster unfortunately led to multiple fatalities."
"The hunter kills the deer for food."
"That new antivirus software really wipes out all the viruses."
"The magician makes the rabbit disappear from the hat."
"That new song absolutely murders the competition on the charts."
发音指南
- mispronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ee' sound
- forgetting the 's' sound at the end
需要掌握的语法
Subject-verb agreement: When the subject is a third-person singular noun or pronoun (he, she, it), the verb 'kill' takes an '-s' ending.
The hunter kills the deer. (Subject: 'hunter' - third-person singular)
Transitive verb: 'Kills' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object is the thing that is killed.
Smoking kills millions each year. ('Millions' is the direct object)
Figurative use: 'Kills' can be used figuratively to mean to destroy or stop something.
The bad news kills my enthusiasm. (Figurative use: 'enthusiasm' is destroyed)
Present simple tense for habitual actions: Use 'kills' to describe actions that happen regularly or are generally true.
A strong poison kills quickly. (General truth)
Negative form: To make a negative sentence with 'kills', use 'does not kill' or 'doesn't kill'.
The mild winter doesn't kill all the insects. (Negative form)
按水平分级的例句
The cat kills a mouse.
The cat makes a mouse die.
Simple present tense, subject 'cat' (third person singular).
He kills flies with a swatter.
He makes flies die with a swatter.
Simple present tense, subject 'he' (third person singular).
Too much sugar kills my appetite.
Too much sugar makes me not hungry.
Simple present tense, subject 'sugar' (third person singular, figurative use).
The cold weather kills the plants.
The cold weather makes the plants die.
Simple present tense, subject 'weather' (third person singular).
She kills time by reading a book.
She uses time by reading a book (to pass it).
Simple present tense, subject 'she' (third person singular, figurative use).
A big fire kills many trees.
A big fire makes many trees die.
Simple present tense, subject 'fire' (third person singular).
The bad news kills our joy.
The bad news makes us not happy.
Simple present tense, subject 'news' (third person singular, figurative use).
My dog sometimes kills small bugs.
My dog sometimes makes small bugs die.
Simple present tense, subject 'dog' (third person singular).
A bad cold sometimes kills your appetite.
A bad cold makes you not want to eat.
Here, 'kills' is used figuratively, meaning to stop or end something.
The hunter kills the deer for food.
The hunter makes the deer die to eat it.
This is a literal use of 'kills', meaning to cause death.
Smoking kills, so please stop.
Smoking causes people to die, so stop.
'Kills' refers to the harmful effect of smoking on health.
Too much sun kills plants.
If plants get too much sun, they die.
Here, 'kills' means to cause the death of plants.
He kills time by watching TV.
He spends his free time watching TV.
'Kills time' is an idiom meaning to do something to pass the time.
The hero kills the monster in the story.
The hero makes the monster die in the story.
This is a literal use of 'kills', often found in narratives.
She kills her fear and tries again.
She overcomes her fear and tries again.
'Kills' is used figuratively, meaning to conquer or overcome.
A harsh winter kills many small birds.
A very cold winter causes many small birds to die.
'Kills' indicates the cause of death for the birds.
Smoking seriously kills many people every year.
Smoking causes the death of many people annually.
Present simple tense, active voice. 'Seriously' emphasizes the severity.
The heat kills the plants if they don't get water.
Lack of water causes the plants to die due to heat.
Present simple tense, active voice. Conditional sentence (Type 0).
He kills time by playing video games.
He passes the time by playing video games.
Present simple tense, active voice. 'Kills time' is an idiom meaning to do something to pass the time.
The bad news kills her happy mood.
The bad news destroys her good mood.
Present simple tense, active voice. Figurative use of 'kills'.
The new manager kills all the old traditions.
The new manager ends all the old traditions.
Present simple tense, active voice. Figurative use of 'kills'.
A good joke often kills the tension in a room.
A good joke often reduces the tension in a room.
Present simple tense, active voice. Figurative use of 'kills'.
The cold weather kills the insects every winter.
The cold weather causes the insects to die each winter.
Present simple tense, active voice. 'Every winter' indicates a recurring action.
Too much salt kills the taste of the food.
Excessive salt ruins the flavor of the food.
Present simple tense, active voice. Figurative use of 'kills'.
The heavy pollution in the river kills fish and other aquatic life.
La fuerte contaminación en el río mata a los peces y otras vidas acuáticas.
Here, 'kills' is used in its literal sense, referring to the death of living things.
Too much stress can seriously kill your productivity at work.
Demasiado estrés puede matar seriamente tu productividad en el trabajo.
'Kills' is used figuratively here to mean 'destroys' or 'ends' productivity.
The unexpected plot twist really kills the suspense of the movie for me.
El giro inesperado de la trama realmente mata el suspenso de la película para mí.
Figurative use, meaning to completely end or destroy the suspense.
Smoking kills, and everyone should be aware of the risks.
Fumar mata, y todos deberían estar conscientes de los riesgos.
A direct, literal statement about the fatal consequences of smoking.
His negative attitude kills any chance of team collaboration.
Su actitud negativa mata cualquier posibilidad de colaboración en equipo.
Figurative use, indicating that the negative attitude completely destroys the possibility.
The new software update kills several old features that users loved.
La nueva actualización de software elimina varias funciones antiguas que a los usuarios les encantaban.
Figurative use, meaning to remove or terminate features.
Listening to music often kills the silence in my apartment when I'm alone.
Escuchar música a menudo mata el silencio en mi apartamento cuando estoy solo.
Figurative use, meaning to end or break the silence.
Lack of sleep seriously kills your ability to concentrate.
La falta de sueño mata seriamente tu capacidad de concentración.
Figurative use, meaning to severely impair or destroy the ability to concentrate.
The new policy inadvertently kills small businesses struggling to compete.
Inadvertently: without intending to; accidentally.
Here, 'kills' is used figuratively, meaning to destroy or end.
Working long hours without breaks seriously kills your productivity.
Productivity: the rate at which a company or country produces goods, or the amount produced per worker.
Figurative use of 'kills' to mean significantly reduces or harms.
The sudden news kills all hope of a quick resolution to the conflict.
Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Figurative use, indicating the complete destruction of hope.
A single careless mistake often kills a well-thought-out plan.
Careless: not paying enough attention to what you are doing.
Figurative use of 'kills' to mean to ruin or render ineffective.
Lack of proper funding regularly kills promising research projects.
Promising: showing signs of future success.
Figurative use, meaning to stop or prevent the continuation of something.
Excessive bureaucracy frequently kills innovation within large organizations.
Bureaucracy: a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Figurative use, implying that it stifles or prevents innovation.
The overwhelming evidence ultimately kills any doubt about his guilt.
Overwhelming: very great in amount.
Figurative use, meaning to completely eliminate or remove doubt.
Constantly criticizing an employee subtly kills their motivation.
Subtly: in a way that is not obvious.
Figurative use, meaning to gradually diminish or destroy motivation.
The new legislation effectively kills any hope of a quick resolution to the trade dispute, prolonging uncertainty for businesses.
Legislation: law. Resolution: solution. Dispute: disagreement. Prolonging: extending.
'Kills' is used figuratively here, meaning 'destroys' or 'ends'.
While the project seemed promising initially, a series of unforeseen technical challenges ultimately killed its viability.
Initially: at first. Unforeseen: unexpected. Ultimately: in the end. Viability: ability to succeed.
'Killed' is used figuratively, meaning 'ended' or 'destroyed'.
The sudden downturn in the global economy threatens to kill off many small businesses that were already struggling.
Downturn: decline. Threatens: puts at risk. Kill off: destroy completely. Struggling: having difficulty.
'Kill off' is a phrasal verb meaning to completely destroy or eliminate.
Her cutting remarks, though perhaps unintentional, effectively killed the festive atmosphere at the dinner party.
Cutting remarks: harsh comments. Unintentional: not on purpose. Effectively: in practice. Festive atmosphere: celebratory mood.
'Killed' is used figuratively, meaning 'ruined' or 'destroyed'.
The company's decision to discontinue the product line effectively kills off a significant portion of its market share.
Discontinue: stop producing. Product line: range of products. Effectively: in practice. Significant portion: large part. Market share: percentage of sales.
'Kills off' is used as a phrasal verb, meaning 'eliminates' or 'destroys'.
His unwavering determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity, effectively kills any doubt about his capabilities.
Unwavering: steadfast. Determination: resolve. Adversity: difficulty. Effectively: in practice. Capabilities: abilities.
'Kills' is used figuratively, meaning 'removes' or 'eliminates'.
The prolonged drought in the region kills off vegetation, leading to increased risks of wildfires and ecological damage.
Prolonged: extended. Drought: long period without rain. Vegetation: plants. Increased risks: higher chances. Ecological damage: harm to the environment.
'Kills off' is used literally in this context, referring to the destruction of plant life.
The manager's micromanagement style often kills initiative among employees, stifling creativity and productivity.
Micromanagement: excessive control. Initiative: ability to act independently. Stifling: hindering. Creativity: imagination. Productivity: efficiency.
'Kills' is used figuratively, meaning 'destroys' or 'suppresses'.
常见搭配
常用短语
It kills me to see you sad.
It makes me very sad to see you sad.
The heat really kills my appetite.
The heat makes me not want to eat.
He kills it every time he performs.
He performs exceptionally well every time.
That joke kills me!
That joke is very funny!
The silence kills the conversation.
The silence stops the conversation.
She kills at negotiations.
She is very good at negotiations.
The news kills any hope we had.
The news destroys any hope we had.
He kills his free time playing games.
He spends his free time playing games.
The cold kills the flowers.
The cold causes the flowers to die.
The stress kills her creativity.
The stress destroys her creativity.
容易混淆的词
'Kills' is a transitive verb (someone or something *kills* something else), while 'dies' is an intransitive verb (someone or something *dies*). One is the action, the other is the result.
'Kills' is a verb, 'murderer' is a noun (the person who commits murder). They are different parts of speech.
'Kills' is a verb, 'dead' is an adjective describing the state of something that has died. They are different parts of speech and function differently in a sentence.
语法模式
习语与表达
"kill time"
To pass time, often while waiting for something, by doing something not very important.
I had an hour before my flight, so I killed time by reading a book.
neutral"kill two birds with one stone"
To achieve two things with a single action.
By dropping my son off at school and then going to the grocery store, I killed two birds with one stone.
neutral"kill a fatted calf"
To prepare a lavish celebration, especially for someone's return or success.
When he finally came home after years abroad, his family killed the fatted calf.
neutral"kill the mood"
To spoil the pleasant atmosphere or feeling of a situation.
The argument really killed the mood at the party.
informal"kill the engine"
To turn off the engine of a vehicle.
Please kill the engine while we wait for the train to pass.
neutral"kill it (slang)"
To perform exceptionally well; to succeed greatly.
Wow, you killed it on that presentation! Everyone was so impressed.
informal"kill the messenger"
To punish someone for bringing bad news, even if they are not responsible for it.
Don't kill the messenger; I'm just telling you what the boss said.
neutral"kill an idea/plan"
To stop an idea or plan from being developed or put into action.
The committee decided to kill the proposed project due to budget constraints.
neutral"kill yourself laughing"
To laugh very hard and uncontrollably.
The comedian was so funny, I was killing myself laughing.
informal"if looks could kill"
Used to describe a very angry or hostile look someone gives.
When she saw him with another woman, if looks could kill, he'd be dead.
neutral容易混淆
'Kills' and 'murders' are often confused because they both refer to taking a life. However, 'murder' specifically implies unlawful killing with malice aforethought.
'Kills' is a broader term for ending a life, while 'murders' implies a deliberate, illegal act with criminal intent.
The hunter *kills* the deer for food. The villain *murders* his rival in cold blood.
'Slays' is an older, more dramatic synonym for 'kills,' often found in literature or fantasy, which can make people think it's interchangeable in everyday speech.
While 'slays' means to kill, especially in a violent or impressive way, it's generally considered archaic or formal compared to the common use of 'kills'.
The knight *slays* the dragon. The accident *kills* three people.
When 'kills' is used figuratively to mean 'to end or defeat something completely,' it can be confused with 'destroys,' which also means to ruin something entirely.
'Kills' (figuratively) implies ending the existence or effectiveness of something, often an abstract concept or a plan. 'Destroys' usually refers to causing physical ruin or making something cease to exist.
The bad news *kills* his hopes. The fire *destroys* the building.
Both 'kills' and 'terminates' can mean to end something, leading to confusion, especially in formal or technical contexts.
'Terminates' is a more formal or technical word often used for ending processes, contracts, or employment. 'Kills' is more general and can refer to ending a life or something more informally.
The company *terminates* the employee's contract. The poison *kills* the insects.
Similar to 'terminates,' 'eliminates' can mean to remove or get rid of something, which overlaps with the figurative sense of 'kills' (to end or defeat).
'Eliminates' often implies removing an unwanted element or a problem. 'Kills' can be more direct in ending existence, whether literally or figuratively.
The new policy *eliminates* unnecessary steps. The cold *kills* the weak plants.
句型
Subject + kills + Object.
The hunter kills the deer.
Subject + kills + Object + with + Instrument.
The chef kills the lobster with a knife.
Subject + kills + Object + for + Purpose.
The farmer kills the chickens for food.
Subject + kills + Time/Effort.
He kills time by playing video games.
Something + kills + someone/something (figurative).
The bad news kills her spirit.
Subject + kills + the mood/vibe.
His negative comments really kills the mood.
Something + kills + a plan/deal.
The sudden changes killed the entire business deal.
Subject + kills + something + dead.
He hits the ball and kills it dead.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
如何使用
Using 'kills' literally to mean causing death is straightforward. For example, 'The hunter kills the deer.' or 'A poisonous snake kills its prey quickly.'
Figuratively, 'kills' can be used in several ways:
- To destroy or end something: 'The new policy kills motivation.' (meaning it completely ends or destroys motivation).
- To defeat completely: 'Our team kills the competition every season.' (meaning they consistently and overwhelmingly defeat their rivals).
- To spend time: 'He kills time by playing video games.' (meaning he uses video games to pass the time).
- To make a strong positive impression (informal): 'That outfit kills!' (meaning it looks amazing or is very impressive).
One common mistake is using 'kills' in a lighthearted context when referring to literal death. While it might be used humorously in some informal settings, it's generally too strong and can be misinterpreted. For example, saying 'This movie kills me!' to mean 'This movie is hilarious' is acceptable, but be careful not to apply similar phrasing to serious situations.
Another mistake is using 'kills' too broadly for simply damaging or harming something. 'Kills' implies complete destruction or ending. If something is just damaged, words like 'damages,' 'harms,' or 'weakens' are more appropriate. For example, 'The storm damaged the house,' not 'The storm killed the house.'
Finally, ensure you're using the correct tense and subject-verb agreement. 'Kills' is for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, a singular noun). For other subjects, you would use 'kill' (I, you, we, they, plural noun). For instance, 'He kills the engine,' but 'They kill the engine.'
小贴士
Basic Meaning of 'Kills'
Understand that the primary meaning of 'kills' is to cause something to die. For example, 'The hunter kills the deer.'
Figurative Use: Destroy
Learn that 'kills' can also mean to destroy or put an end to something. Think of 'That loud music kills my concentration.'
Figurative Use: Defeat
Recognize that 'kills' can imply completely defeating something. For instance, 'Our team kills the competition every year.'
Watch for Context
Always look at the surrounding words to understand if 'kills' is used literally or figuratively. Context is key!
Common Phrases
Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'time kills boredom' or 'the heat kills my appetite.' These are often figurative.
Strong Word Choice
Be aware that 'kills' is a strong word, even when used figuratively. Choose your words carefully to avoid sounding too harsh.
Taboo in Some Contexts
In some cultures or social situations, directly saying 'he kills' someone might be considered impolite or too blunt. Consider alternatives.
Practice Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'kills' in both its literal and figurative senses. This helps solidify your understanding.
Listen to Natives
Pay attention to how native English speakers use 'kills' in conversations, movies, or TV shows. This gives you real-world examples.
Intensifier 'Kills It'
Learn the slang expression 'kills it' which means to perform exceptionally well or perfectly. For example, 'She really kills it on stage!'
记住它
记忆技巧
To remember 'kills,' think of a 'KILLER' bee. A killer bee 'kills' to protect its hive. The 'K' in 'killer' and 'kills' can help you remember the sound and meaning.
视觉联想
Picture a 'stop' sign. Now, imagine a giant 'X' over it, like it's been cancelled or 'killed.' This can help you remember that 'kills' means to end or stop something completely. Or, visualize a video game character getting 'killed' and disappearing from the screen.
Word Web
挑战
Think about different situations where 'kills' is used. For example: 1. **Literal:** 'The hunter **kills** the deer for food.' 2. **Figurative (destroy/end):** 'That long meeting **kills** my motivation for the day.' 3. **Figurative (defeat):** 'Our team **kills** the competition every season.' Now, try to write three sentences of your own using 'kills' in different contexts. Share them with a friend or teacher to check your understanding.
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, 'kills' can be used figuratively for non-living things. For example, 'The bad review really kills the movie's chances of success.' Here, it means to destroy or end.
Generally, yes, 'kills' is a strong word because it refers to causing death. Even when used figuratively, it implies a complete end or destruction, which carries a strong meaning.
The main difference is intention and legality. 'Kills' can be accidental or intentional. 'Murders' specifically refers to the unlawful and intentional killing of a human being. So, all murders are killings, but not all killings are murders.
Informally, yes. You might hear someone say, 'My back kills me!' This means their back hurts a lot, to an extreme degree. It's a hyperbole, not literal death.
'Kills time' means to do something to occupy yourself while waiting for something else to happen. For example, 'I was waiting for my flight, so I killed time by reading a book.'
Most often, yes, 'kills' has a negative connotation because it's associated with death or destruction. However, in phrases like 'kills time,' it's neutral. In a context like 'He kills it on the soccer field,' it means he performs exceptionally well, which is positive (though this is more informal slang).
For literal meaning: slay, execute, put to death. For figurative meaning (destroy/end): ruin, stop, extinguish, eliminate, demolish.
Yes. If a machine causes the death of something, you can say it 'kills' it. For example, 'The lawnmower kills the weeds.'
Here are a few:
Present Simple: He/She/It kills
Past Simple: killed
Present Perfect: has/have killed
Future Simple: will kill
Present Continuous: is/am/are killing
'Kills' is an action verb that means someone or something *causes* death. 'Dies' is a state of being that means something *ceases to live*. So, 'The hunter kills the deer,' but 'The deer dies.'
自我测试 144 个问题
The cat ___ a mouse.
The cat caused the mouse to die.
Too much sugar ___ your teeth.
Too much sugar can damage or 'kill' your teeth, meaning it destroys them.
The hero ___ the dragon in the story.
The hero defeated the dragon, ending its life.
A strong wind ___ the small fire.
A strong wind can put out or 'kill' a small fire, meaning it ends it.
She ___ time playing games.
'Kills time' means to spend time doing something that is not important, just to pass the time.
The cold weather ___ the plants.
Cold weather can cause plants to die.
Listen for what the big cat does.
Listen for what kills his plants.
Listen for how my friend 'kills time'.
Read this aloud:
She kills the game with her amazing skills.
Focus: /kɪlz/
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He kills the light when he leaves the room.
Focus: /kɪlz ðə/
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Read this aloud:
The hero always kills the monster in the story.
Focus: /kɪlz ðə ˈmɒnstər/
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Write a short sentence about something that 'kills' a bad mood. (Use 'kills' as in 'destroys' or 'ends')
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A funny movie kills my bad mood.
Imagine you are talking about your favorite video game. Write a simple sentence using 'kills' to describe how a character defeats an enemy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My hero kills the monster.
Write a sentence about something that is very dangerous and 'kills' plants or animals.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Too much cold weather kills plants.
What does the cat do with the toy after she 'kills' it?
Read this passage:
My cat loves to play. She runs very fast. Sometimes, she chases small toys. When she catches a toy, she acts like she kills it. Then, she drops it and waits for me to throw it again.
What does the cat do with the toy after she 'kills' it?
The passage says, 'Then, she drops it and waits for me to throw it again.'
The passage says, 'Then, she drops it and waits for me to throw it again.'
What kills some small flowers in the garden?
Read this passage:
In the garden, there are many flowers. The sun helps them grow. But sometimes, a very strong wind comes. The strong wind kills some small flowers. This makes the garden sad.
What kills some small flowers in the garden?
The passage states, 'The strong wind kills some small flowers.'
The passage states, 'The strong wind kills some small flowers.'
What does 'kills me with laughter' mean in this passage?
Read this passage:
My friend likes to tell jokes. His jokes are very funny. Sometimes, he tells a joke that is so funny, it 'kills' me with laughter. I laugh very much!
What does 'kills me with laughter' mean in this passage?
The phrase 'kills me with laughter' is a common idiom meaning to laugh extremely hard, as explained by 'I laugh very much!'
The phrase 'kills me with laughter' is a common idiom meaning to laugh extremely hard, as explained by 'I laugh very much!'
The loud music always ___ my concentration.
To 'kill concentration' means to destroy or end it completely, making it hard to focus.
Too much sugar ___ your teeth.
In this context, 'kills' means to harm or damage something, like teeth.
The cold weather ___ the small plants.
If the cold weather 'kills' the plants, it causes them to die.
Smoking ___ many people every year.
This sentence uses 'kills' in its direct meaning of causing death.
She ___ time by playing games on her phone.
To 'kill time' means to do something to pass the time while waiting for something else, often something trivial.
The bad news ___ his happy mood.
To 'kill a mood' means to destroy or ruin it completely.
The loud music ____ my ability to concentrate.
Here, 'kills' is used figuratively to mean 'destroys' or 'ends' the ability to concentrate.
Smoking ____ many people every year.
In this sentence, 'kills' means to cause the death of people.
Too much sugar ____ a healthy diet.
Figuratively, 'kills' means to destroy or defeat a healthy diet.
A doctor's job is to kill people.
A doctor's job is to save lives, not to kill people.
If you are very good at something, you can say you 'kill it'.
In informal English, 'kill it' can mean to do something exceptionally well.
A superhero usually kills the bad guy.
In many stories, superheroes defeat and often kill the villains.
This sentence talks about the negative effect of smoking on people's health.
This sentence explains how cold weather can destroy plants.
To 'kill time' means to do something to pass the time while waiting.
The loud noise always ___ my concentration.
'Kills' is used here to mean that the loud noise destroys or completely ends concentration.
Smoking ___ thousands of people every year.
In this context, 'kills' means to cause the death of people.
The bad weather ___ our plans for a picnic.
Here, 'killed' is used figuratively to mean that the bad weather destroyed or ended the plans.
A single mistake can ___ a brilliant career.
'Kill' in this sentence means to destroy or ruin a career.
He believes the new law ___ small businesses.
Figuratively, 'kills' means to severely damage or destroy small businesses.
The farmer found that a fox ___ his chickens.
In this literal sense, 'killed' means to cause the death of the chickens.
The new medicine _____ the pain almost instantly.
We use 'kills' for a singular subject (medicine) in the present tense.
Eating too much sugar _____ your teeth.
'Eating' is a gerund acting as a singular subject, so we use 'kills'.
The surprise news _____ all hope of a peaceful resolution.
The past tense 'killed' is appropriate here to describe an action that happened in the past.
The word 'kills' can only refer to causing the death of a living thing.
No, 'kills' can also be used figuratively to mean destroying or ending something completely.
If you say 'the heat kills my plants', it means the heat is making your plants die.
Yes, in this context, 'kills' means to cause the death of the plants.
The sentence 'That joke kills me!' means the joke literally caused someone's death.
No, this is a figurative use, meaning the joke was very funny.
The speaker is talking about a health warning.
The speaker is talking about how news affects their feelings.
The speaker is talking about how a project affects their schedule.
Read this aloud:
The cold weather kills the plants in my garden every winter.
Focus: kills
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He says that hard work kills nobody, but I'm not so sure.
Focus: kills nobody
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Read this aloud:
Sometimes, a simple mistake kills the whole plan.
Focus: kills the whole
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Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a recent news story where a natural disaster (like a storm or flood) 'kills' several trees. Write two sentences describing the event. Use the word 'kills' in one of your sentences.
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Sample answer
The sudden hurricane swept through the coastal town, causing extensive damage. It tragically kills many ancient oak trees that had stood for centuries.
You are writing a short social media post about a bad cold you had. Explain how the cold made you feel and use the word 'kills' figuratively to describe how it affected your energy or plans. Write 1-2 sentences.
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Sample answer
This terrible cold really kills my energy for the entire week. I had to cancel all my plans because I felt so weak.
Write a short email to a friend. In your email, mention a fictional video game character that 'kills' monsters. Describe this character in one sentence, then say what they do. Use the word 'kills' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hey [Friend's Name], I'm playing a new game. My character is a brave knight who kills dangerous monsters in the dark forest.
What did the residents believe the factory smoke did?
Read this passage:
The old factory in the town used to produce a lot of smoke, which residents believed kills the plants in nearby gardens. After many complaints, the factory installed new filters to reduce pollution. Now, the plants are starting to grow back.
What did the residents believe the factory smoke did?
The passage states, 'which residents believed kills the plants in nearby gardens.'
The passage states, 'which residents believed kills the plants in nearby gardens.'
What does the virus do to the body?
Read this passage:
A dangerous virus is spreading quickly, and doctors are working hard to find a cure. This virus kills many cells in the body, making people very sick. Scientists hope to develop a vaccine soon to stop its spread.
What does the virus do to the body?
The passage explicitly states, 'This virus kills many cells in the body.'
The passage explicitly states, 'This virus kills many cells in the body.'
What happens when a serious error 'kills' a computer application?
Read this passage:
When a computer program has a serious error, it often 'kills' the application, causing it to close unexpectedly. Programmers work hard to fix these bugs so the software runs smoothly and doesn't suddenly stop working.
What happens when a serious error 'kills' a computer application?
The passage says, 'it often 'kills' the application, causing it to close unexpectedly.'
The passage says, 'it often 'kills' the application, causing it to close unexpectedly.'
This sentence describes a factual consequence of smoking.
This sentence talks about how heat eliminates bacteria.
This sentence uses 'kills' figuratively to mean 'destroys' or 'removes' your appetite.
The news of her success ___ any doubt I had about her abilities.
Here, 'kills' is used figuratively to mean that the news completely removed or destroyed the doubt. The subject 'news' is singular, so we use 'kills'.
A single spark can sometimes ___ an entire forest if conditions are dry.
In this sentence, 'can' is a modal verb, which is followed by the base form of the verb 'kill'.
The strong winds ___ their hopes of a smooth sailing trip.
The sentence is in the past tense, describing an event that already happened. Therefore, the past tense form 'killed' is appropriate.
Working long hours without a break eventually ___ enthusiasm.
The subject 'working' is a gerund phrase, which is treated as singular, requiring the 's' form of the verb 'kills'.
The constant criticism ___ creativity in young artists.
The singular subject 'criticism' requires the singular verb form 'kills'. This is a general truth, so the simple present tense is used.
His quick wit often ___ the tension in awkward situations.
The singular subject 'wit' takes the singular verb form 'kills'. The sentence describes a habitual action, hence the simple present tense.
The new policy ____ two birds with one stone by both reducing waste and saving money.
In this figurative sense, 'kills two birds with one stone' means to achieve two objectives with a single effort.
Eating too much sugar ____ your appetite for healthier foods.
'Kills your appetite' is a common idiom meaning to completely diminish or destroy one's desire to eat.
The unexpected news ____ his plans for the weekend.
To 'kill plans' means to completely stop or ruin them.
If a comedian 'kills' during a performance, it means they performed very badly.
When a comedian 'kills' on stage, it means they perform exceptionally well and get a great reaction from the audience.
The phrase 'curiosity kills the cat' suggests that being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
This idiom warns that excessive curiosity can sometimes lead to dangerous or undesirable situations.
When someone says 'it kills me to see you like this,' they are literally experiencing physical pain.
This is a figurative expression meaning that seeing someone in a bad state causes them great emotional distress or sadness.
This sentence uses 'kills' in a figurative sense, meaning to destroy or end the atmosphere.
'Kills' here means to suppress or stop the development of innovation.
This refers to the damaging effect of sun on living cells.
The intense pressure of deadlines often ___ creativity in the workplace.
In this context, 'suppresses' is the best fit as it means to prevent or inhibit the development or expression of something, similar to how 'kills' can mean to destroy or end something completely.
A single careless mistake in such a complex operation could ___ the entire project.
'Jeopardize' means to put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure, which aligns with the figurative meaning of 'kills' as to destroy or end something.
The news of the scandal effectively ___ his political career.
'Terminated' means to bring to an end, which directly reflects the figurative sense of 'kills' in ending something completely.
The lack of reliable data ___ any attempts to accurately predict future trends.
'Hampers' means to hinder or impede the movement or progress of, which is a figurative way of saying it 'kills' or destroys the possibility of accurate prediction.
Over-analysis often ___ the spontaneous joy of creative expression.
'Strangles' figuratively means to suppress or inhibit the development of, much like 'kills' can imply destroying something completely.
The unexpected downturn in the market completely ___ their expansion plans.
'Nullified' means to make legally null and void; invalidate, which is similar to 'kills' in the sense of bringing something to an end or making it ineffective.
The CEO's abrupt resignation effectively _______ the merger talks, leaving both companies in disarray.
In this context, 'kills' is used figuratively to mean to put a complete end to something, like the merger talks.
Years of unchecked pollution have slowly _______ the delicate ecosystem of the lake.
Here, 'kills' is used to describe the gradual destruction of the ecosystem due to pollution.
The unexpected plot twist in the novel truly _______ the audience's expectations, leaving them stunned.
Figuratively, 'kills' can mean to completely destroy or overcome something, such as expectations, often with a surprising or dramatic effect.
The phrase 'it kills me to say this' implies that the speaker literally dies from saying something.
This phrase is an idiom meaning something is very difficult or painful for the speaker to say, not that it causes literal death.
When a company 'kills' a project, it means they are launching it with great success.
To 'kill' a project means to terminate or abandon it, often due to lack of viability or success.
If a comedian 'kills' during a performance, it means their act was extremely successful and well-received.
In informal language, for a performer to 'kill' means they performed exceptionally well and captivated the audience.
Listen for the figurative use of 'kills'.
Pay attention to how 'kills' relates to chances.
Consider what 'kills' means in the context of creativity.
Read this aloud:
The unexpected plot twist absolutely kills the suspense, in my opinion.
Focus: kills
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She believes that overthinking often kills spontaneous ideas.
Focus: spontaneous ideas
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Read this aloud:
His cynical remarks always kills the positive vibe in the room.
Focus: positive vibe
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Imagine a scenario where a new government policy 'kills' several small businesses. Describe the policy and its impact on the businesses and the community. Use 'kills' in both its literal and figurative sense if possible.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The new tariff policy on imported goods effectively kills many small electronics retailers by making their products uncompetitively expensive. This policy literally kills their ability to generate profit and figuratively kills the entrepreneurial spirit in the community, leading to job losses and reduced local spending.
Write a short paragraph explaining how a bad decision in a chess game can 'kill' a player's chances of winning. Focus on the strategic implications.
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Sample answer
In a crucial chess match, a misplaced pawn move can instantly kill a player's winning chances. This single bad decision often exposes the king or weakens a critical defense, allowing the opponent to exploit the vulnerability and deliver a decisive blow, effectively ending the game.
Discuss a situation where 'kindness kills' or 'over-kindness kills'. Explain the paradoxical nature of this statement with an example.
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Sample answer
The saying 'over-kindness kills' highlights a paradox where excessive generosity can be detrimental. For instance, constantly bailing out a friend who makes poor financial decisions, while seemingly kind, actually kills their motivation to become financially responsible. It prevents them from learning critical lessons and developing independence, ultimately harming them in the long run.
What is the primary effect of primogeniture on younger siblings, according to the passage?
Read this passage:
The ancient custom of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherits all of the family's estate, effectively kills any hope of economic independence for younger siblings. This practice often forces them into less desirable professions or reliance on the elder brother's goodwill, severely limiting their life choices and opportunities.
What is the primary effect of primogeniture on younger siblings, according to the passage?
The passage explicitly states that primogeniture 'effectively kills any hope of economic independence for younger siblings.'
The passage explicitly states that primogeniture 'effectively kills any hope of economic independence for younger siblings.'
What is the main cause of species extinction mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
Environmental degradation, fueled by unsustainable industrial practices, relentlessly kills off numerous species every year. This loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences, disrupting ecosystems and threatening the delicate balance of nature. The long-term effects of such widespread extinctions are still largely unknown but are predicted to be catastrophic.
What is the main cause of species extinction mentioned in the passage?
The passage states, 'Environmental degradation, fueled by unsustainable industrial practices, relentlessly kills off numerous species every year.'
The passage states, 'Environmental degradation, fueled by unsustainable industrial practices, relentlessly kills off numerous species every year.'
What is a potential negative long-term consequence of a dominant company's price drop strategy?
Read this passage:
In a competitive market, a sudden price drop by a dominant company can often kill off smaller rivals. This aggressive strategy, while benefiting consumers in the short term, can lead to monopolies and reduced innovation in the long run, as the market becomes less diverse and more controlled by a single entity.
What is a potential negative long-term consequence of a dominant company's price drop strategy?
The passage states that this strategy 'can lead to monopolies and reduced innovation in the long run.'
The passage states that this strategy 'can lead to monopolies and reduced innovation in the long run.'
This sentence structure emphasizes how insufficient funding can be the demise of innovative ventures.
This sentence highlights the negative impact of high stress levels on creative thought and work output.
This sentence illustrates how one negative piece of feedback can severely damage a company's standing.
The incessant noise from the construction site next door ___ any chance of peaceful contemplation.
In this context, 'kills' is used figuratively to mean destroys or completely ends, indicating that the noise eliminates any possibility of quiet thought.
A single act of betrayal often ___ the trust built over years of friendship, leaving an irreparable rift.
Here, 'kills' signifies the complete destruction of trust, emphasizing the severe and often permanent damage caused by betrayal.
The CEO's sudden resignation ___ the company's morale, creating uncertainty among employees.
'Kills' here metaphorically expresses the severe damage or destruction of morale, implying a negative and dispiriting impact.
The harsh winter weather ___ the budding crops, leading to significant financial losses for farmers.
In this literal sense, 'kills' refers to the destruction of the crops, causing them to die due to the severe weather.
His sarcastic remark ___ the jovial atmosphere of the party, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
'Kills' is used figuratively to mean that the remark completely ended or destroyed the positive, cheerful mood.
The unprecedented scandal effectively ___ the politician's career, making any future in public office impossible.
Figuratively, 'kills' indicates the complete and irreversible termination of the politician's career, implying it was destroyed.
The CEO's abrupt resignation effectively ___ the proposed merger, leaving investors in a state of flux.
In this context, 'kills' is used figuratively to mean to completely stop or destroy a plan or project, which aligns with the sudden end of the merger talks after the CEO's resignation.
The relentless pressure from competing corporations ___ any chance of the small startup surviving in the cutthroat market.
Figuratively, 'kills' here means to eliminate or destroy the possibility of something, which accurately describes the impact of relentless competition on a struggling startup.
His cynical outlook on life often ___ the joyous atmosphere at social gatherings, making others uncomfortable.
Used figuratively, 'kills' indicates that his cynical outlook destroys or severely diminishes the positive mood, fitting the context of making others uncomfortable.
The phrase 'it kills me to see you go' means the speaker is literally dying from sadness.
This phrase is an idiom and uses 'kills' figuratively to express extreme sadness or regret, not literal death.
When someone says 'that kills the mood', they mean something has destroyed the pleasant atmosphere.
Correct. 'Kills the mood' is a common idiom meaning to abruptly end or ruin a pleasant or enjoyable atmosphere.
The statement 'lack of funding kills many innovative projects' implies that the projects literally die.
In this context, 'kills' is used metaphorically to mean that the projects are ended, terminated, or prevented from continuing due to insufficient funding, not that they literally perish.
Listen for how 'kills' is used figuratively in a professional context.
Pay attention to what 'kills' the product's appeal.
Consider the impact of the committee's decision on reform.
Read this aloud:
The late withdrawal of funding for the project truly kills the momentum we had built.
Focus: kills, momentum
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Read this aloud:
A lack of genuine interest in the subject material often kills a student's motivation to learn.
Focus: lack, genuine, kills, motivation
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Read this aloud:
His incessant need to be the center of attention invariably kills any chance of a balanced conversation.
Focus: incessant, invariably, kills, balanced
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Imagine a scenario where a seemingly harmless everyday object indirectly 'kills' a person's motivation or ambition. Describe the object, the person, and how this 'killing' of ambition occurs. Focus on the subtle yet profound impact.
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Sample answer
The persistent, gentle hum of her old refrigerator, a fixture in her tiny apartment, slowly but surely 'killed' Anya's once vibrant artistic ambitions. It wasn't loud enough to be an annoyance, but its constant, low thrum became a subconscious soundtrack to her creative blocks. Every time she sat down to paint, the hum seemed to drone on, an insidious reminder of the mundane realities of life, of bills and cheap groceries, slowly eroding her inspiration. The refrigerator, a symbol of her stagnant existence, subtly stifled her desire to break free, its innocuous presence the silent assassin of her dreams.
Write a short narrative where a character's preconceived notions about a person or situation are completely 'killed' by a surprising revelation. Describe the initial beliefs, the turning point, and the character's reaction to the shattered perspective.
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Sample answer
Eleanor had always seen Mr. Henderson, the stern, solitary neighbor, as a man devoid of warmth, his rigid posture and clipped responses 'killing' any hope of friendly interaction. She believed he was an unfeeling misanthrope, a belief solidified by years of brief, frosty encounters. However, one blustery afternoon, she witnessed him meticulously tending to a stray, injured bird in his garden, his gruff exterior momentarily melting into tender concern. This single act utterly 'killed' her long-held assumptions. The revelation of his hidden compassion left her stunned, realizing her judgment had been profoundly skewed. Her perception of him, once an impenetrable wall, had crumbled into dust.
Discuss how certain societal pressures or expectations can metaphorically 'kill' individual creativity or unconventional thinking. Provide a specific example to illustrate your point.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Societal pressures often subtly 'kill' individual creativity by prioritizing conformity over original thought. The relentless pursuit of a 'standard' career path, for instance, frequently stifles burgeoning artistic or entrepreneurial aspirations. Consider a young person with an innate talent for experimental music, who, due to family and peer expectations, is steered towards a more 'stable' profession like law or finance. The constant pressure to succeed within established frameworks, to fit into a predefined mold, gradually 'kills' their unique musical voice. The fear of judgment or financial instability acts as a powerful deterrent, forcing their creative spirit into dormancy, and ultimately, into oblivion. The vibrant, unconventional ideas are sacrificed at the altar of perceived security.
What is identified as the primary reason for the project's failure?
Read this passage:
The architect's revolutionary design, initially hailed as groundbreaking, faced an insurmountable hurdle. Bureaucratic red tape and endless committee meetings slowly but surely 'killed' the project's innovative spirit. What began as a bold vision for urban renewal was gradually watered down, compromised, and eventually abandoned, leaving behind only the faded blueprints of what might have been. The process, not any inherent flaw in the design, was the true assassin.
What is identified as the primary reason for the project's failure?
The passage explicitly states that 'Bureaucratic red tape and endless committee meetings slowly but surely 'killed' the project's innovative spirit' and that 'The process, not any inherent flaw in the design, was the true assassin.'
The passage explicitly states that 'Bureaucratic red tape and endless committee meetings slowly but surely 'killed' the project's innovative spirit' and that 'The process, not any inherent flaw in the design, was the true assassin.'
What effect did the proposal have on the executives?
Read this passage:
His audacious proposal for a radical shift in company policy effectively 'killed' the prevailing complacent mindset among the executives. For years, they had operated under the assumption that the status quo was inviolable. However, his data-driven arguments and compelling vision exposed the cracks in their stagnant strategies, forcing a reluctant but necessary re-evaluation. The old way of thinking, once so entrenched, was decisively put to rest.
What effect did the proposal have on the executives?
The passage states that the proposal 'effectively 'killed' the prevailing complacent mindset' and 'exposed the cracks in their stagnant strategies, forcing a reluctant but necessary re-evaluation.'
The passage states that the proposal 'effectively 'killed' the prevailing complacent mindset' and 'exposed the cracks in their stagnant strategies, forcing a reluctant but necessary re-evaluation.'
What was the primary consequence of the server room's hum?
Read this passage:
The incessant, low-frequency hum emanating from the new server room gradually 'killed' any hope of focused work in the adjacent offices. It wasn't deafening, but its persistent presence created a subtle yet pervasive sense of unease and distraction. Concentration became a luxury, and productivity plummeted as employees struggled against the invisible assault on their cognitive faculties. The hum, though not physically harmful, was a silent destroyer of efficiency.
What was the primary consequence of the server room's hum?
The passage states that the hum 'gradually 'killed' any hope of focused work' and that 'Concentration became a luxury, and productivity plummeted'.
The passage states that the hum 'gradually 'killed' any hope of focused work' and that 'Concentration became a luxury, and productivity plummeted'.
This sentence describes how intense competition can stifle new ideas and creativity.
This sentence shows how too much red tape can destroy enthusiasm and productivity.
This sentence explains how a long period without rain can completely ruin a crop's chances.
/ 144 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Kills' means to cause death or to completely destroy something, and can be used literally or figuratively.
- Causes death
- Destroys completely
- Ends something
Basic Meaning of 'Kills'
Understand that the primary meaning of 'kills' is to cause something to die. For example, 'The hunter kills the deer.'
Figurative Use: Destroy
Learn that 'kills' can also mean to destroy or put an end to something. Think of 'That loud music kills my concentration.'
Figurative Use: Defeat
Recognize that 'kills' can imply completely defeating something. For instance, 'Our team kills the competition every year.'
Watch for Context
Always look at the surrounding words to understand if 'kills' is used literally or figuratively. Context is key!
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