killer
killer — noun
1. a person who takes another person's life, whether on purpose, by accident, or as
a person who takes another person's life, whether on purpose, by accident, or as part of a crime
The police arrested the **killer** outside his apartment building before dawn.
article + killer as a known referent
Hyun's family hoped the **killer** would be found and brought to court.
Detectives tracked a serial **killer** who had attacked five people across three states.
The courtroom fell silent when the convicted **killer** stood up to speak.
- victim
the person who is killed
文法句型
killer + of + person
用法筆記
Often modified by an adjective that specifies motive or method, such as serial killer, contract killer, or cold-blooded killer.
常見錯誤
2. a disease or health condition that causes people to die, especially when many pe
a disease or health condition that causes people to die, especially when many people are affected
Heart disease is still the number one **killer** of women in the United States.
collocation: number one killer / biggest killer
Doctors called the virus a silent **killer** because victims showed no signs at first.
collocation: silent killer (disease without early symptoms)
Cancer remains a top **killer** worldwide, affecting millions of families each year.
The flu turned out to be a **killer** for older patients in the nursing home.
文法句型
the + (number one / biggest) + killer + of + people / group
用法筆記
Commonly modified by number one, biggest, or silent to describe how widespread or undetectable the disease is.
3. a chemical, product, or substance made to destroy unwanted plants, insects, or o
a chemical, product, or substance made to destroy unwanted plants, insects, or other harmful organisms
Tanvi sprayed weed **killer** along the fence to stop the ivy from spreading.
compound noun: weed killer / pest killer
This ant **killer** comes in powder form and works best near doorways.
The gardener used a **killer** that removed all the moss from the stone path.
Farmers switched to a natural bug **killer** made from neem oil this season.
文法句型
[noun] + killer
killer + for + [target]
用法筆記
Usually appears as part of a compound noun (weed killer, pest killer, bug killer) rather than as a standalone word.
4. anything that completely ruins a relationship, activity, plan, or positive exper
anything that completely ruins a relationship, activity, plan, or positive experience
Money problems can be a real **killer** in a marriage if left unspoken.
collocation: real killer / relationship killer
A sudden power cut was a **killer** for the outdoor concert that night.
Lying even once can be a relationship **killer** that destroys trust forever.
The high price became a deal **killer** when the buyer walked away from negotiations.
- deal-breaker
specifically in negotiations or relationships; something that makes an agreement impossible
文法句型
a / the + [adjective] + killer + of + [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used with a preceding modifier such as real, biggest, absolute, or a noun like relationship, deal, or mood.
5. a task, problem, or situation that demands an exhausting amount of effort to get
a task, problem, or situation that demands an exhausting amount of effort to get through or solve
The final exam was a real **killer** — most students ran out of time.
collocation: a real killer (informal for something very hard)
That mountain trail is a **killer** for beginners because of its steep climb.
Waking at four every morning was a **killer** during her first month on the farm.
The new software update was a **killer** — the whole system crashed twice that day.
文法句型
a real / absolute killer
用法筆記
Highly informal; common in spoken English. Avoid in formal writing — use challenge, ordeal, or demanding task instead.
常見錯誤
6. an exceptionally impressive or enjoyable person, story, show, or creative work t
an exceptionally impressive or enjoyable person, story, show, or creative work that makes a strong impact on its audience
Camila's new song is an absolute **killer** — I have listened to it ten times already.
collocation: absolute killer (extreme compliment)
That comedian's show was a **killer** from the first joke to the last encore.
Leo told a **killer** story about getting lost in Tokyo that had everyone in tears.
Her dance routine was a **killer** and the judges gave her the highest score possible.
- hit
popular and successful, but less intense than killer
- showstopper
a performance so good it gets interrupted by applause
- flop
a performance or product that fails completely
文法句型
a(n) + [intensifier] + killer
用法筆記
Always positive and enthusiastic. Less common than the 'difficult' sense; context (entertainment, sports, conversation) makes the meaning clear.
killer — adjective
1. having the power to end a life; designed or meant to cause death
having the power to end a life; designed or meant to cause death
The officer was trained to use **killer** force only when her life was in danger.
attributive use: killer force
A single **killer** blow from the boxer ended the match in the first round.
Some snakes carry **killer** venom that stops the heart within minutes.
The soldiers walked into a **killer** storm of bullets and shrapnel.
- harmless
unable to cause any injury or death
文法句型
killer + noun (weapon, disease, blow)
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive position). You cannot say 'The disease was killer' — use deadly or fatal instead.
常見錯誤
2. strikingly excellent or effective; so well done that it leaves a lasting impress
strikingly excellent or effective; so well done that it leaves a lasting impression
The band played a **killer** set that kept the crowd dancing all night.
informal: killer set / killer outfit / killer smile
Élise wore a **killer** dress to the ceremony and everyone wanted a photo with her.
That restaurant has a **killer** pasta dish that people drive an hour to try.
Nikos showed off a **killer** dance move that nobody in the room had seen before.
文法句型
killer + noun (outfit, song, move, smile)
用法筆記
Highly informal and enthusiastic. Used mostly by younger speakers in casual conversation, social media, and entertainment reviews.