Word
slayer
Phoneticsslay·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫeɪɝ/
UK/slˈeɪɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who kills a dangerous person, animal, or monster.
n. one who slays; a killer, specifically one who destroys a powerful or mythical adversary.
Examples
“The brave knight was known as a dragon slayer.”
“In many ancient myths, the hero must prove their worth by becoming a slayer of beasts.”
“The protagonist's reputation as a giant slayer preceded him, ensuring that even the boldest warriors in the kingdom treated him with a mixture of awe and suspicion.”
Examples
simple
“The brave knight was known as a dragon slayer.”
contextual
“In many ancient myths, the hero must prove their worth by becoming a slayer of beasts.”
complex
“The protagonist's reputation as a giant slayer preceded him, ensuring that even the boldest warriors in the kingdom treated him with a mixture of awe and suspicion.”
Usage
Often used in compound nouns like 'dragon-slayer' or 'giant-slayer'.
Teaching tip
This word is very dramatic and rare in everyday conversation; it is mostly found in fantasy novels, video games, or historical dramas.
Etymology
From Middle English slear, sleere, sleare, slaare, dissimilated from Old English slaga (“slayer”), equivalent to slay + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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