winterkill
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɪntərˌkɪl/
KK: /ˈwɪntərˌkɪl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To die due to very cold weather, particularly referring to plants or animals that cannot survive the harsh conditions of winter.
Example
Many plants will winterkill if the temperatures drop too low for too long.
Tense Forms
Past: winterkilled
Past Participle: winterkilled
Conversation
I was so sad to see my garden last week.
What happened to it?
It looks like some plants might winterkill if this cold keeps up.
That’s a bummer! Maybe you can cover them for protection?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
perish
fade
wilt
Antonyms
thrive
flourish
grow
noun
Definition
The death of plants or animals caused by harsh winter conditions.
Example
The severe cold led to a significant winterkill in the local vegetation.
Conversation
Did you see how cold it got last week?
Yeah, I heard some plants might winterkill if this keeps up.
That's so sad, I hope my garden survives.
transitive verb
Definition
To cause the death of plants or animals due to very cold winter conditions.
Example
The harsh frost can winterkill many young plants if they are not protected.
Tense Forms
Past: winterkilled
Past Participle: winterkilled
Conversation
Did you hear about the garden on Maple Street?
Yeah, I heard it got winterkill last year.
That's so sad! They had some beautiful flowers there.
Root Explanation
Winterkill → It is formed from "winter" (from Old English *winter*, meaning the coldest season) and "kill" (from Old English *cylan*, meaning to cause to die). The word "winterkill" refers to the death of plants or animals due to the harsh conditions of winter.
Memory Tip
Think of the coldest season, 'winter', causing something to 'die', which is what 'winterkill' means.
Visually Confused Words
intertill