killing

Definition

That literally deprives of life; lethal, deadly, fatal.

Etymology

From Middle English kyllyng; equivalent to kill + -ing.

Example Sentences

• "Should true Proportion ev'ry Mortal grace, / And Semetry be seen in ev'ry Face: / Beauty no longer would be thought divine, / Nor would its Charms with half the Lustre shine: / No courtly Dame a killing Look could boast, / If once the Foils of Homeliness were lost."
• "He sprang to open the door for the ladies, when they retired, with the most killing grace […]"
• "Livia found her ‘killing’, and derived such amusement from her Martinique French that he was forced to enjoy her as well."