# silent killer

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/silent-killer
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A disease experienced by someone who is not symptomatic.

## Examples

- High blood pressure is often called a silent killer.
- Doctors often screen for diabetes early because it acts as a silent killer without showing obvious symptoms.
- Medical professionals frequently warn that hypertension remains a silent killer, as patients often feel perfectly healthy until a major health crisis occurs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.