killed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "killed crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions across all word lengths, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "killed crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLEW: To kill in a violent way; past tense of slay.
SLAY: To kill in a violent way; often used in a past context or for a general act.
SHOT: Killed with a firearm.
5 Letters
ENDED: Brought to a conclusion or ceased to exist; can refer to a life.
DEALT: As in "dealt a fatal blow" or "dealt with" someone decisively.
6 Letters
KILLED: To cause the death of; the direct past tense form.
DOWNED: To cause to fall, often implying a killing or incapacitating.
8 Letters
MURDERED: Killed unlawfully and with premeditation.
12 Letters
ASSASSINATED: Killed, especially a prominent person, by sudden or secret attack.
More About "killed crossword clue"
"Killed" is a common and versatile verb that frequently appears in crosswords, often testing a solver's understanding of synonyms and contextual meaning. While it most literally means to cause the death of someone or something, it can also refer to figuratively ending, destroying, or stopping an action. This range of meaning is what makes it a favorite for crossword setters.
When encountering "killed" in a clue, consider not just direct synonyms like 'slain' or 'murdered', but also more abstract interpretations. For instance, 'killed a deal' might imply 'ruined' or 'ended,' while 'killed time' could lead to 'spent' or 'idled.' The surrounding words in the clue, and the overall theme of the puzzle, are crucial in deciphering the exact intended meaning.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for "killed" and its many synonyms will significantly boost your ability to tackle these types of clues, making your crossword solving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For verbs like "killed," always consider if the meaning is literal (death) or figurative (e.g., "killed a project," "killed time"). This will guide you towards the appropriate set of synonyms.
- Check Tense and Part of Speech: If "killed" is in the past tense, look for past tense answers (e.g., SLEW, ENDED). Ensure your answer matches the grammatical form of the clue.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Let letters from other solved clues guide you. Even with multiple possible answers for "killed," an intersecting letter will often narrow it down to the unique solution.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm as many words related to "killed" as possible, including those with opposite meanings if the clue has a twist. Broaden your vocabulary for similar action verbs.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "killed crossword clue"?
"Killed" is a versatile verb with many synonyms depending on the context, tense, and specific meaning (e.g., literal death, figurative ending, destroying something). Crossword setters love such words for their multiple interpretations, allowing for creative cluing.
How do I know which "killed" answer is correct?
To determine the correct answer, always check the letter count provided in the puzzle, any intersecting letters from other solved clues, and the overall theme or specific phrasing of the clue itself. Sometimes, the dictionary meaning of the synonym will give it away.
Are there common traps when solving "killed" clues?
A common trap is the distinction between literal and figurative uses of "killed." For instance, "killed time" or "killed a show" might lead to answers like ENDED or RUINED, rather than synonyms for literal death. Always pay attention to the exact tense of the clue as well.