deliberately killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deliberately killed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing intentional actions that result in someone's death, often in legal, literary, or journalistic settings. Example: "The investigation revealed that the suspect had deliberately killed the victim in a premeditated act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But I can assure you that no Sri Lankan soldier deliberately killed a civilian".

The New Yorker

Then Mr Jamal's daughter, Rana al-Jamal, alleged to Reuters that her father was "deliberately killed".

The Economist

The father had been deliberately killed in a strike two weeks earlier.

The New York Times

That video depicts a war crime, an unarmed, injured civilian being deliberately killed.

The Washington Post

But no blue whale – a highly endangered cetacean – has been deliberately killed for 40 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

The General said the Danish soldier had been "deliberately" killed by the Croatian forces.

The New York Times

[It] must reaffirm the principle that no civilian should ever be deliberately killed or abused.

The Guardian

It said that if Gaddafi were deliberately killed, this would be a war crime.

The Guardian

He said that Hezbollah supporters had deliberately killed Mr. Salman, though other witnesses said the scene was chaotic.

The New York Times

When the Soviets deliberately killed camels and mules to cripple the Afghan fighters' supply lines, he flew in Tennessee mules.

The New York Times

The Al Qaeda fighters have not fought in uniform, and they have hidden among civilians, and have deliberately killed them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "intentionally caused death" or "purposely took a life" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to use "deliberately killed" when the action was accidental or unintentional. The phrase implies a clear and conscious decision to end a life, so ensure your language accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberately killed" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction. It describes an action performed intentionally that resulted in death. Ludwig examples show the phrase is often used in news reports, legal documents, and academic discussions where the focus is on the intentionality of the killing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberately killed" is a verb phrase indicating an intentional act of causing death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. It's frequently found in news reports, scientific articles, and formal documents, emphasizing the intentionality behind the act. When using the phrase, consider synonyms such as "intentionally caused death" or "purposely took a life" for stylistic variation. Be mindful of the nuances of intent, as the phrase should only be used when there's clear evidence or indication of deliberate action. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore the phrase's importance in conveying intentionality in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally caused death

Emphasizes the intention behind the action, focusing on the causation of death.

purposely took a life

Highlights the purposefulness of the act, using more direct language.

willfully murdered

Adds a legal and moral dimension, suggesting a premeditated crime.

premeditated homicide

A formal, legal term indicating planning before the killing.

calculated assassination

Suggests a careful and planned killing, often of a prominent figure.

cold-blooded execution

Emphasizes the lack of emotion or remorse in the act.

targeted for elimination

Focuses on the selection of a specific person to be killed.

assassinated with malice

Highlights the ill intent and hatred behind the act of killing.

terminated with intent

A more clinical and detached way of expressing intentional killing.

knowingly ended life

Focuses on the awareness and understanding of the consequences of the action.

FAQs

What does "deliberately killed" mean?

The phrase "deliberately killed" means that someone was killed intentionally and on purpose, not accidentally or unintentionally. It implies a conscious decision and action to end a life.

What are some synonyms for "deliberately killed"?

Some synonyms for "deliberately killed" include "intentionally caused death", "purposely took a life", or "willfully murdered". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

How is "deliberately killed" different from "accidentally killed"?

"Deliberately killed" implies intent and premeditation, while "accidentally killed" suggests a lack of intent and an unforeseen outcome. The former carries legal and moral implications that the latter does not.

Is it appropriate to use "deliberately killed" in all contexts?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "deliberately killed" when you want to emphasize the intentional nature of the act. In situations where the intent is unclear or disputed, it's better to use more neutral language.