Collocation Dictionary

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Common collocations with killing in American Collocation

killing noun countable

US /ˈkɪlɪŋ/

illegal

extrajudicial
illegal
unlawful

The inquest jury recorded a unanimous verdict of unlawful killing.

deliberate

deliberate
intentional
systematic
targeted
wilful

The targeting and deliberate killing of civilians is unacceptable.

accidental

accidental

Military officials are investigating the accidental killing of nine children during an air attack on an alleged terrorist hideout.

cruel

brutal

The government is committed to a thorough investigation of the events behind the brutal killing.

showing a lack of sympathy

cold-blooded

An ex-soldier has been arrested for the cold-blooded killings of four members of his family.

causing many people to die

mass

Government soldiers have also been responsible for mass killings.

done because of religious differences

sectarian

The bombing sparked a wave of sectarian killings.

done without caring who dies

indiscriminate

The international community cannot permit the indiscriminate killing of civilians.

done for no reason

needless
random
senseless
wanton

He was brutally murdered in a senseless killing.

very unpleasant

gruesome

It turns out to be the first of a series of gruesome killings.

causing as little pain as possible

humane

Inspectors have the power to require the humane killing of any protected animal they consider to be suffering excessively or unnecessarily.

involving a series of people

serial

This is a well performed, thought-provoking film about the investigation into Korea’s first serial killings.

contract
gangland
honour
mercy
revenge

From physical abuse to forced marriages and honour killings, domestic violence continues to be frighteningly common in many communities.

stop a killing

end
halt
prevent
stop

The UN forces were unable to stop the brutal killings.

say that a killing is wrong

condemn

No one has yet condemned the killing of an innocent man.

order a killing

order

The three men were convicted in January of ordering the killing.

say that a killing is not allowed

forbid
prohibit

The 1928 law forbade the killing of bulls in bullfights.

approve of a killing

condone

I, of course, don’t condone the killing of innocent people.

commit a killing

be reponsible for
carry out
commit

Such killings are carried out by the security services.

try to find out about a killing

investigate

A special commission was announced to investigate the killings.

see a killing

witness

He had witnessed the killing of a detainee by a guard.

say that there is a good reason for a killing

justify

They will probably try to justify the killing by saying that he was resisting arrest.