contract killer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract killer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.One can use it when referring to someone who is hired to kill someone else.
For example: The police were able to apprehend the contract killer who had been hired to take out a political rival.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's about a contract killer for the Mafia, Richard Kuklinski.

Independent

I tell him he sounds like a contract killer.

The Guardian - Sport

Among his entourage was a teen-aged former contract killer named Cristian, whom he was rehabilitating.

The New Yorker

The Jackal wasn't by any means the first contract killer on the screen.

The Guardian - Film

By Anthony Lane Joaquin Phoenix plays a contract killer in Lynne Ramsay's new film.

The New Yorker

"They call him a contract killer in the cuttings," I say.

The Guardian - Film

"Freelance at Freelance" Probably just a contract killer — no benefits, no P.T.O., nothing.

The New Yorker

The uncle who abducted Sita was murdered by a contract killer.

The Guardian

After all, you wouldn't become a contract killer to repay your folks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The first one, by Gianfranco Rosi, is the testimony of a former sicario (contract killer).

The Guardian - Arts

Well, I don't know what it feels like to be a contract killer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing crime fiction or news reports, use the term "contract killer" to clearly denote an individual who is hired for the specific purpose of killing someone, distinguishing them from other types of criminals.

Common error

While "contract killer" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Instead, consider more precise and nuanced terms like "hired assassin" or "professional killer" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract killer" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a person who is hired to commit murder. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples like "He is a contract killer, and a cleaner-up of other people's messes."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contract killer" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase referring to an individual hired to commit murder. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Its frequency and presence across various sources, especially news and media, indicate its common understanding and acceptance. While "contract killer" is a neutral term, users should consider the context and choose more formal alternatives, like "hired assassin", for academic or professional settings. Understanding its function, purpose, and register can aid in effective and accurate communication. Related terms such as "hitman" or "assassin" offer nuanced options for describing individuals involved in targeted killings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hitman

This is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "contract killer".

assassin

Suggests a political or high-profile target, often implying ideological motivations beyond mere monetary compensation.

hired gun

Implies that the person is for hire and willing to do anything.

professional killer

Highlights the expertise and business-like approach to committing murder.

paid assassin

Emphasizes the monetary aspect and the act of being paid for the assassination.

mercenary killer

Suggests the killer is driven purely by profit without allegiance or moral considerations.

trigger man

Refers specifically to the person who pulls the trigger, performing the act of killing.

executioner for hire

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of executing someone for payment.

gun for hire

A general term for someone who performs illegal or questionable activities for money, not limited to killing.

sicario

A Spanish term for a hitman, particularly used in Latin American contexts.

FAQs

What is another term for "contract killer"?

A common synonym for "contract killer" is "hitman", which carries a similar meaning and connotation.

How does a "contract killer" differ from an assassin?

While both involve targeted killings, an "assassin" often implies political or ideological motivations, whereas a "contract killer" is primarily motivated by payment.

Is it appropriate to use the term "contract killer" in formal writing?

While understandable, "contract killer" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "hired assassin" or "professional killer" for a more neutral tone.

What are some examples of "contract killers" in popular culture?

Fictional "contract killers" are frequently depicted in films and books, often portrayed as cold and calculating individuals carrying out hits for organized crime or other clients.