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
No amount of gentle coaxing, regimented training, rehabilitation or punishment could ever prompt cats to ignore their killer instincts.
From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2024
"Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts," Whyte said.
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2023
Twenty years later, he’s an empty husk of a man with killer instincts and sharpshooter skills.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2023
Nor do the killer instincts of Owen’s raptors — once the villains of the piece, now poised for their moment of redemption.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 10, 2015
