ADJ

brutal, cold-blooded
the cold-blooded killing of a defenceless woman
deliberate
indiscriminate, random
mass, serial
This was the fourth mass killing in Australia in four years
contract, gangland, political, revenge, sectarian
a brutal revenge killing
mercy
Should the law allow mercy killing?
unlawful (law)
a verdict of unlawful killing

VERB + KILLING

be responsible for, carry out
order
The Mafia ordered the killing
prevent, stop
It is difficult to prevent such killings
confess to
deny
The sentenced man had denied the killings

KILLING + VERB

happen, occur, take place

PHRASES

a motive for the killing
No motive for the killing has yet been established

VERB + KILLING

make
Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off
kilo, kilogram, kilometre