Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun One who spoils the enthusiasm or fun of others.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

kill +‎ joy, first attested in 1776.

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Examples

  • The killjoy has been the fear that inflation is bubbling out of control.

    From On High 2006

  • The killjoy has been the fear that inflation is bubbling out of control.

    Archive 2006-05-01 2006

  • I know the quickest way to be called a killjoy is to suggest that a great American food institution should be sacrificed to preserve the health of kids with dietary restrictions, whether it's a peanut-butter sandwich for lunch or a peanut-filled cookie at snack time.

    About.com Parenting Special Needs 2009

  • [My apologies in advance if any of this sounds like nitpicking or any other kind of killjoy, buzzkill, etc.]

    The Volokh Conspiracy » Obama’s Diverse Shortlist 2010

  • My apologies in advance if any of this sounds like nitpicking or any other kind of killjoy, buzzkill, etc.

    The Volokh Conspiracy » Obama’s Diverse Shortlist 2010

  • But Sarah called me a "killjoy" today and that pissed me off.

    nisayon Diary Entry nisayon 2004

  • But "killjoy" Royal Mail officials were unimpressed by the colourful upgrade, vowing that they would repaint it in standard Royal Mail red.

    News round-up 2010

  • God is not a cosmic 'killjoy' who wants us to be puppets on an unseen string.

    Cross Rhythms 2009

  • 'killjoy' Ms Harman from making Page Three girls 'illegal'.

    Home | Mail Online 2010

  • 'killjoy' Ms Harman from making Page Three girls 'illegal'.

    Home | Mail Online 2010

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