top kill

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.

top kill

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of top kill¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Prosecutors had argued that some of the messages suggested that company officials knew that an effort to stop the leak in the early days of the 2010 spill — a procedure known as a top kill — would most likely fail, largely because of the overwhelming amount of oil flowing out of the stricken well.

From New York Times

For months none of these efforts — with nicknames like “junk shot,” “top kill” and “top hat” — worked.

From New York Times

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a videotaped deposition played in court on Monday about the top kill.

From Reuters

At one point after the April 2010 spill, BP touted the chances of stopping the leak with a so-called top kill that pumped heavyweight drilling mud into the well.

From Reuters

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a videotaped deposition played in court on Monday about the top kill.

From Reuters