Slay (verb)

Meaning & Definition of Slay

to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers; broadly, to strike down, kill
to delight or amuse immensely
to do something or perform exceptionally well or impressively, to be exceptionally impressive

Slay (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

to deprive of life

"millions have been slain worldwide by this dreadful disease"

similar: carry off, claim, croak (slang), destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, kill, take, do away with, do for (chiefly British), make away with

related: bump off, butcher, cut down, finish, get, ice (slang), knock off, murder, neutralize, off (slang), put away, rub out, scrag, snuff, take out, waste, whack (slang), annihilate, blot out, decimate, kill off, massacre, mow, slaughter, smite, assassinate, execute, martyr, terminate, euthanize, put down, suicide

opposite: animate

near: raise, restore, resurrect, resuscitate, revive, nurture
to put to death deliberately

"vowed to slay without mercy whoever was responsible for murdering his family"

similar: assassinate, bump off, croak (slang), dispatch, do in, execute, get, ice (slang), knock off, liquidate, murder, neutralize, off (slang), put away, rub out, snuff, take out, terminate, whack (slang), do away with

related: blow away, shoot, shoot down, blot out, carry off, claim, cut down, destroy, fell, kill, smite, zap, butcher, massacre, mow (down), slaughter, annihilate, eliminate, eradicate, exterminate, wipe out

near: animate, raise, restore, resurrect, resuscitate, revive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Slay

The most common words with a similar meaning to Slay:

Slang: croak, ice, off, whack

Chiefly British: do for

carry off, claim, destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, kill, take, assassinate, bump off, execute, get, knock off, liquidate, murder, neutralize, put away, rub out, snuff, take out, terminate, do away with, make away with

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Slay

Words with the opposite meaning of Slay:

animate

Related Words for Slay

butcher, cut down, finish, scrag, waste, annihilate, blot out, decimate, kill off, massacre, mow, slaughter, smite, martyr, euthanize, put down, suicide, blow away, shoot, shoot down, zap, mow (down), eliminate, eradicate, exterminate, wipe out

Near Antonyms of Slay

raise, restore, resurrect, resuscitate, revive, nurture

Word Forms of Slay

Inflections: slew, slayed, slain, slaying, slays

Derived words: slayer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Slay

Middle English slen, from Old English slēan to strike, slay; akin to Old High German slahan to strike, Middle Irish slachta stricken

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Slay

What does "Slay" mean?

"Slay" means to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers; broadly, to strike down, kill. As a verb, it is defined as: to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers; broadly, to strike down, kill. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Slay"?

Other words for "Slay" include carry off, claim, croak, destroy, dispatch, do in, fell and kill. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Slay" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Slay"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Slay". Common alternatives include carry off, claim, croak, destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, kill, take and assassinate.

What is a slang word for "Slay"?

Slang words for "Slay" include croak, ice, off and whack.

What is the opposite of "Slay"?

Antonyms of "Slay" include animate. Near antonyms include raise, restore, resurrect and resuscitate.

How do you use "Slay" in a sentence?

Examples of "Slay" in a sentence: "millions have been slain worldwide by this dreadful disease"; "vowed to slay without mercy whoever was responsible for murdering his family".

Is "Slay" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Slay" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Slay"?

"Slay" is pronounced /ˈslā/.