crossword clue killed – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find the most comprehensive and accurate solutions for the crossword clue "killed". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just double-checking your answer, we've got you covered with various possibilities, explained clearly and concisely.
Solutions for "crossword clue killed" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLEW: Past tense of slay, meaning to kill, often violently.
SLAY: To kill in a violent or dramatic manner.
5 Letters
ENDED: Brought to an end; stopped the existence or progress of something.
8 Letters
DEFEATED: Overcame an opponent or obstacle, often by rendering them ineffective or 'killing' their chances.
10 Letters
TERMINATED: Brought to an end, often officially; to end the employment of, or stop an operation.
ERADICATED: Destroyed completely; to put an end to or get rid of something entirely, like a disease.
12 Letters
ASSASSINATED: Killed (a prominent person) for political or religious reasons.
More About "crossword clue killed"
The word "killed" in crosswords is a fascinating clue, as its meaning can range from the literal to the highly metaphorical. Beyond the obvious act of taking a life, "killed" often implies bringing something to a definitive end, such as "killing time," "killing a project," or "killing a bill." This versatility makes it a frequent visitor in puzzles, challenging solvers to think beyond the most direct interpretation.
Common answers for "killed" frequently lean towards synonyms of destruction, cessation, or defeat. For shorter answers, words like SLEW or SLAY are perennial favorites, harking back to more archaic or dramatic forms of killing. Longer answers might delve into more formal terminations (TERMINATED) or complete obliteration (ERADICATED). Understanding this range is key to unlocking the puzzle when "killed" appears as your clue.
Context is king when solving for "killed." Consider the tone of the overall puzzle, the number of letters required, and any intersecting words. Is the puzzle lighthearted, suggesting a metaphorical 'killing' (like "killed the mood")? Or is it a more serious, historical, or violent-themed clue demanding a word like ASSASSINATED? Keeping these nuances in mind will significantly boost your success rate.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For a clue like "killed," always consider if it's literal or metaphorical. Crosswords love to play with words, so "killed" could mean "stopped," "ended," or even "destroyed."
- Check Letter Counts First: Before brainstorming words, look at the number of letters. This immediately narrows down possibilities and helps you recall words of the correct length (e.g., SLEW for 4 letters, TERMINATED for 10).
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. If you have a few letters from crossing words, they can often reveal the exact answer for "killed" by filling in the blanks.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find synonyms for "killed" in crosswords?
When encountering 'killed' in a crossword, think about its various meanings: literally ending a life (slay, slew, murdered, assassinated), destroying something (eradicated, annihilated), or bringing something to an end (ended, stopped, terminated). Consider the letter count and surrounding clues for context. Verbs like 'stopped' or 'ended' are common for metaphorical killings, while 'slay' or 'executed' are for literal ones.
Can "killed" refer to something other than a living being in crosswords?
Absolutely! Crossword clues often use 'killed' metaphorically. It can refer to 'killing time,' 'killing a bill' (vetoing it), 'killing a deal' (cancelling it), 'killing a project' (ending it), or even 'killing an engine' (stopping it). Always be open to non-literal interpretations based on the clue's wording and the puzzle's theme.
What's the difference between 'slay' and 'kill' in crossword contexts?
'Kill' is a general term for ending life. 'Slay' specifically means to kill in a violent, dramatic, or heroic manner, often found in older texts, legends, or for large numbers. In crosswords, 'slay' (and its past tense 'slew') is a very common answer for 'killed' when a shorter, more archaic, or impactful word is needed. Both are frequently used.