A killer is a person or thing that ends lives. The word is often used figuratively to describe something severe or powerful, such as a killer storm or a killer drug.

There is a wide range of theories as to why people become serial killers. Some experts believe that it is due to a combination of genetics and environment, while others argue that it is due to a specific psychological condition. Whatever the cause, it is clear that serial killers are very dangerous and must be treated with great caution.

Despite the popular image of a maniac wielding a chainsaw and tearing through a city, there are many different types of serial killers. They can be male or female, young or old, and from a variety of backgrounds. While many are characterized by extreme depravity, there are also serial killers who display a level of sophistication and cunning that is almost unmatched by other criminals.

While it is not possible to fully understand the causes of serial killing, there are some common themes that can be seen in many cases. Generally, serial killers are people who have suffered from some form of trauma in their childhood. This can include physical or sexual abuse, a dysfunctional family life, or emotional neglect. As a result of this trauma, they often develop a lack of empathy for other people and feel no guilt or shame when they commit their crimes.

Another common theme is that of a desire to feel complete control over another person. This is why many serial killers target particular individuals. They want to feel like they can dominate their victims and take full advantage of their fear. Other reasons that are often given by serial killers for their crimes include a desire to gain money, status, or power, and a need for excitement and thrills.

There are a number of ways that serial killers can be prevented. One way is to increase public awareness of the dangers of serial killers and the need to report any suspicious activity. Other methods include ensuring that there are adequate law enforcement resources in the area, educating students and teachers about the signs of a potential serial killer, and encouraging people to contact the police immediately if they think they know anything about a suspected murder.

Survivors can also help prevent serial killers by using their perks to track them down and slow their healing progression. For example, the perk Hex can be used to track down survivors even when they are hidden or out of sight. Similarly, the unique teachable perk Discordance gives Killers the ability to see generators that are being repaired by two or more Survivors up to 128 meters away. This can force Survivors to split up and makes it much more difficult for them to escape from a killer. This is especially effective when played by Killers with aura-reading abilities, such as Hex or Jolt.