killed
v. · adj.-
1 ended a life (v.) A2 Elementarycaused the death of a person, animal, or plant.
caused the death of a living organism. Transitive; requires a direct object.
ExampleThe cold weather killed all the flowers in the garden last night.
ExampleThe sudden frost killed the delicate seedlings before they had a chance to establish a robust root system.
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2 stopped or turned off (v.) B1 Intermediate Informalstopped a process, a machine, or a light.
terminated a process, electrical circuit, or mechanical operation. Often used in technical or informal contexts.
ExampleHe killed the engine and sat in the quiet car for a moment.
ExampleThe technician killed the power to the entire wing to prevent the electrical fire from spreading through the ventilation shafts.
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3 inactivated (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Medicinedescribes a virus or bacteria that has been made safe for use in a vaccine.
referring to a pathogen that has been rendered non-infectious, typically for use in immunisations.
ExampleThe doctor explained that the vaccine uses a killed virus to protect you.
ExampleThe research team opted for a killed vaccine approach to ensure the highest safety profile for immunocompromised patients during the trial.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
- inactivated
- dead
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4 deoxidized steel (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencedescribes metal that has had gas removed from it during the making process.
referring to steel that has been completely deoxidized by the addition of an agent such as aluminium or silicon before casting.
ExampleThe construction project required high-quality killed steel for the main beams.
ExampleKilled steel is preferred for critical structural components because it lacks the porosity often found in rimmed or semi-killed alternatives.
- deoxidized