top kill

American  

noun

1. a technique in which a heavy fluid, usually drilling mud, is pumped into a leaking oil well to stop the flow of oil.

   The top kill is underway, but success remains uncertain as engineers desperately pump mud into the damaged blowout preventer.

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top kill British  

noun

1. a procedure used by oil companies to attempt to plug a leaking well, by pumping heavy drilling fluids into the well before sealing it with concrete

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Etymology

Origin of top kill

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

BP failed to plug the leak Saturday after several attempts with its top kill, which shot mud and pieces of rubber into the well but couldn't beat back the pressure of the oil.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2011

That approach would involve pumping heavy drilling mud and possibly cement into the well, much like BP's failed "top kill" effort in May.

From Reuters • Jul. 22, 2010

It’s not like they only got the idea for the lower marine riser package after the top kill failed.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2010

City experts advised clients to sell shares following BP's admission over the weekend that the much vaunted "top kill" attempt to bung up the well had failed.

From The Guardian • Jun. 1, 2010

But if the top kill fails, expect the gloves to come off.

From Newsweek • May 26, 2010