I. ˈkiliŋ, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of killen to strike, kill — more at kill
1. : the act of one that kills ; especially : murder , homicide
2. : kill 2a
3. : a sudden notable success especially in stock speculation or business
a killing he made in railway securities — Robert Shaplen
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of kill (I)
1. : having the effect of killing: as
a. : producing death : fatal , deadly
a killing disease
a killing drink
b. : having a marked deleterious or painful effect or impact extremely difficult to endure
the strain of concentration was killing , so he gave up
also : calling for great strength, stamina, or endurance
a killing pace
c. : having an irresistible and notable effect
a killing humor
a killing dress
2. : arousing the desire to kill
as killing a hatred between them as though they were two jungle beasts — Jean Stafford