slain

UK: sleɪn | US: sleɪn

Definition

  1. adj. killed violently (past participle of "slay")

  2. v. (archaic/literary) past participle of "slay"

Structure
slay <to kill violently>n <past participle suffix>
Etymology

"Slain" originates from Old English slēan (to strike, kill), which evolved into Middle English slen or slayn as its past participle. The root "slay" is Germanic, linked to Dutch slaan and German schlagen (to hit). The "-n" suffix marks it as a past participle, a common feature in older Germanic verbs (similar to "ridden" or "spoken"). Over time, "slain" became restricted to poetic or archaic contexts, often emphasizing violent or heroic death.

Examples

  1. The dragon was slain by the knight with a single stroke.

  2. Legends speak of warriors slain in battle and buried with honor.

  3. The newspaper reported three men slain in the gang conflict.

  4. She wept for her slain husband, a victim of the war.

  5. The mural depicted fallen heroes slain for their country.