slay
UK: sleɪ | US: sleɪ
vt. to kill violently or in great numbers
vt. (informal) to impress or overwhelm someone (e.g., through style or performance)
vi. (archaic) to strike or fight fiercely
The word "slay" originates from Old English slēan, meaning "to strike, kill, or slaughter." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old Norse slá, Dutch slaan). Originally tied to physical violence, its modern informal sense ("to impress") emerged in 20th-century African American Vernacular English (AAVE), metaphorically extending "killing" to mean "dominating" or "excelling."
The hero vowed to slay the dragon and save the village.
Her performance at the concert absolutely slayed the audience.
In medieval times, knights would slay their enemies in battle.
That outfit slays—you look amazing!
The virus slayed thousands before a vaccine was developed.