slay etymology

Etymology

The word "slay" originates from the Old English word "slean", meaning "to strike, kill, or beat". It is related to the Old Norse word "slá", which means "to strike or kill".

Meaning

The primary meaning of "slay" is to kill or murder someone. However, it can also be used figuratively to mean:

  • To defeat or overcome
  • To criticize or attack severely
  • To do something with great skill or effort

Origin

The word "slay" has been used in English since the 12th century and has its roots in Germanic languages. It is likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word slahwaz, which means "to strike or kill".

Usage Examples

  • "The assassin slayed the king in cold blood."
  • "The team slayed their opponents in the game."
  • "The critics slayed the movie in their reviews."
  • "She slayed the dance floor with her moves."

slay relate terms

  • blow

    Etymology The word blow comes from the Middle English word blowe which in turn comes

  • slay

    Etymology The word slay originates from the Old English word slean meaning to strik

  • blow

    Etymology The word blow comes from the Middle English word blowe which in turn comes

  • slay

    Etymology The word slay originates from the Old English word slean meaning to strik

  • schlock

    Etymology The word schlock is thought to have originated from the Yiddish word shlak

  • sledge

    Etymology and Origin The word sledge comes from the Middle English word sledde which

  • slug

    Etymology Old English slōh meaning track or trail Proto Germanic slauhô also mean

  • deject

    Etymology Deject comes from the Latin word dēicere meaning to cast down to throw

  • onslaught

    Etymology The word onslaught originates from the 14th century Middle English word on s

  • procure

    Etymology The word procure comes from the Latin word procurare which means to take

  • worry

    Etymology 1500s Borrowed from Middle English wurgen to strangle from Old English wy

  • execute

    Etymology The word execute originates from the Latin word exsequor which means to c

  • remove

    flower part of speech noun definition the reproductive structure of a seed bearing pla

  • Burke

    Etymology Old English Burhc fortified place castle Proto West Germanic burgs b