killing
UK: ˈkɪlɪŋ | US: ˈkɪlɪŋ
n. the act of causing death, especially deliberately
adj. causing death; fatal
adj. (informal) extremely funny or exhausting
The word "killing" derives from the Old English cyllan (to strike, kill), likely of Germanic origin. The root "kill" has retained its core meaning of causing death, while the suffix "-ing" transforms it into a noun (e.g., "the killing was tragic") or adjective (e.g., "a killing blow"). Over time, informal usage expanded its meaning to describe something intensely amusing ("killing joke") or exhausting ("a killing workload"), metaphorically extending the idea of "overpowering force."
The detective investigated the brutal killing in the alley.
The virus had a killing effect on the population.
Her stand-up comedy routine was absolutely killing the audience.
The soldiers faced a killing pace during the march.
The documentary exposed the illegal killing of endangered species.