killer instinct
noun
a strong drive to succeed in a competitive setting, particularly accompanied by a lack of regard for others.
killer instincts
-
pluralof killer instinct.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This is a coach who practices mixed-martial arts and shows his players nature videos to harness their killer instincts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Guadagnino’s latest, “Challengers,” is about a continually changing love triangle involving two besotted men and a sharp, beautiful woman with killer instincts and personal style.
From New York Times ● Apr. 25, 2024
Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth Olsen tease out killer instincts in ‘Dead Ringers’ and ‘Love & Death,’ respectively, and there’s more collective rage in ‘Beef’ than the downtown interchange at rush hour.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2023
"Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts," Whyte said.
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2023
The surprising reason mountain lions’ killer instincts could save human lives
From Washington Post ● Aug. 4, 2016
