What Does It Mean When You Dream About Being Killed?

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Co-authored by Bailey Cho Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: May 11, 2025 References

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Reasons Behind Violent Dreams

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Interpretations

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Religious Meanings

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How to Stop Violent Dreams

While dreams of being killed violently can be disturbing, many people believe they provide insight into waking life. Violent dreams may help you understand your thoughts and emotions, and the people in your dreams might symbolize certain parts of yourself you wish to change. In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons behind violent dreams, plus teach you effective coping strategies so you can reclaim a good night’s sleep.

Things You Should Know

Dreams about being killed violently could mean you’re suppressing emotions in waking life.
If you dream of being murdered by a family member, it might indicate unresolved tensions or conflicts within your family.
To prevent violent dreams, engage in relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, meditating, or practicing breathing exercises.

Section 1 of 4:

Why do I dream about being killed violently?

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You’re suppressing your emotions. Dreams reveal things your conscious mind might not pick up on, especially if you’re dealing with unresolved conflicts in waking life.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach

Expert Interview} If you dream of being killed violently, it could be a healthy outlet to release emotions like anger, anxiety, heartbreak, grief, or anything else you’ve kept locked up inside.^{[2]
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- If you’re mad at someone in real life, for example, you might dream of murder because you have a lot of pent-up rage or frustration. While this might be alarming, it’s actually a natural way for your brain to process stressful emotions and experiences.^{[3]
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- To release negative emotions, write down your thoughts on a piece of paper, and read it aloud to understand how you’re feeling. Once you’re done reading, use a match to burn the paper and remove any negative energy from your life.
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You're afraid of change. Are you about to experience a major life change like getting married, switching jobs, or moving to a new city? If so, you might dream of being killed violently because you fear the future. Change is often stressful and unpredictable, so it’s perfectly normal to feel scared for what’s to come. Your dreams could represent the specific things you’re worried about losing or the potential challenge of adapting to a new environment.^{[4]
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- To cope with change, make a list of the positives in your situation, and remind yourself that every experience allows you to grow as an individual! For instance, if you just went through a breakup, you could view the situation as an opportunity to get to know yourself better and spend more time with your friends and family.
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You’re feeling insecure. Whether you’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance or abilities, dreams of being killed violently may symbolize self-doubt. This is especially common if you compare yourself to others, and the person who’s trying to kill you could represent the negative thoughts you have about yourself. Your dream may also indicate a more general fear of failure or not being able to reach your highest potential.^{[5]
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- The next time that you’re feeling insecure, reflect on your accomplishments, and celebrate all your wins. Everyone is on their own life path, so remember to step back and appreciate how much you’ve evolved. By focusing on your progress, you can learn to love yourself and improve your self-esteem.
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You’re stressed or overwhelmed. If you’re struggling to manage your responsibilities and relationships in real life, it could manifest into dreams of being killed violently. These dreams aren’t usually a cause for concern, but they could be a sign to step back and manage your stress levels. The violent imagery in your dream may symbolize the worries, fears, and anxieties clouding your subconscious.^{[6]
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- For example, if your child just got sick but you have a major deadline at work, you could dream of being murdered because you’re stressed out and afraid of letting people down.
- To deal with anxiety and stress, make a checklist of your tasks, and work through them in order of importance. This can make your task more manageable and increase productivity.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to be extra kind to yourself and practice self-care daily—get at least 7 hours of sleep, drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and veggies, and exercise for at least 20 minutes a day.
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You’re healing from trauma. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event in real life, you could have violent dreams about your perpetrator for weeks, months, or years afterward. This is a perfectly natural response to trauma, and it may help you start your journey to healing. In this case, processing your negative experiences in a dream state is a healthy coping mechanism to help you address past wounds and achieve emotional stability.^{[7]
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- For example, someone who has endured physical abuse might have violent dreams related to that experience. Their dreams could be a metaphorical way to confront the perpetrator and work through their trauma.
- If you’re having recurring nightmares or struggling with a traumatic event, you don’t need to heal alone! Get support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional, and open up to them about your experience to get closure.
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You’re taking a new medication. If you’re taking certain antidepressants, beta blockers, or blood pressure medications, they may trigger vivid dreams and nightmares. The severity and subject of these nightmares vary from person to person, but they often occur because of changes in your serotonin or dopamine levels. In most cases, they’re not dangerous to your health, but they can be a little annoying and bothersome.^{[8]
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- If your dreams keep you up at night or they’re particularly upsetting, contact your healthcare provider to find a solution. They can help you determine whether your dreams are caused by medication and offer advice on how to manage your symptoms effectively.^{[9]
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Section 2 of 4:

Dream Interpretation by Scenario

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Dream about being killed by a family member If you dream of being murdered by your parent, sibling, or another family member, it could indicate unresolved tensions or conflicts in waking life. The family member might symbolize the specific issue that needs to be addressed, so interpret your dream as a sign to approach them and deal with family problems head on.^{[10]
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- For example, dreaming of being killed by an older sibling may reflect a sense of rivalry with them. Or, dreaming of being killed by a controlling parent could represent your frustration from being micromanaged all the time.
- Alternatively, this dream scenario could indicate your family member is forcing you to make a change that you’re resisting, such as quitting smoking or cutting ties with someone.
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Dream about being stabbed to death If you’ve been feeling unsupported or unappreciated, this dream scenario could be warning you to reconsider your inner circle. Maybe your friends don’t put in that much effort into your relationship. Or, maybe they minimize your feelings all the time. Stabbing dreams generally indicate being hurt or betrayed by someone you trust, so pay close attention to the people you surround yourself with.^{[11]
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- To recognize a toxic friend, observe your mood after hanging out with them. If you feel drained, guilty, or used, it could be a sign that they’re negatively affecting you, and you may want to set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
- If you don’t want to cut ties, tell your friend how you feel and specify how you wish to be treated. If they don’t respect your boundaries, it might be best to distance yourself gradually. Remember, you’re worthy and deserving of love, and there are so many people in the world who will cherish you as a friend!
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Dream about being shot to death Are you scared to make changes in your life? Or, do you have a general fear of the future? If so, this dream scenario might signal a personal transformation. Death-related dreams usually represent radical change, and being shot to death could mean that something in your life is coming to an end—whether it’s a relationship, situation, or mental state.
- In the meantime, recognize and improve your strengths to facilitate your transformation. Reflect on your accomplishments, and write down the skills or traits that helped you reach them. Then, use this list to set tangible goals so you can become the best version of yourself.
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Dream about being tortured to death This disturbing dream scenario could mean you feel powerless in reality. Maybe you’re struggling to manage all of your responsibilities, or maybe you feel like you have no control over your life. Regardless of the situation, feeling helpless can be frustrating, so this dream scenario might be a sign to take control of your life.
- If you have this type of dream, identify what’s making you feel helpless, then find ways to regain a sense of control. This could involve setting boundaries, surrounding yourself with positive people, or learning how to stand up for yourself.
- For example, if you want to move to a new city, you could connect with someone you know who lives there and ask them questions about apartments, jobs, and the cost of living.
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Dream about witnessing a murder If you see someone else get killed in your dream, it could mean you’re holding onto anger or resentment. The person being murdered might be someone you’re mad at in reality, or they could represent frustration toward certain aspects of your life. If you’ve been feeling insecure or unhappy, your dream could also symbolize your desire to end the things that are holding you back.^{[12]
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- If you feel “behind” in life, identify the people or events that are prompting your thoughts, then limit your exposure with them to overcome comparison. This might look like taking a break from Instagram or actively avoiding media that promotes unrealistic expectations.
- To achieve your full potential, write down specific goals for yourself, and create a checklist of tasks that will help you achieve them. Use a calendar to hold yourself accountable for completing tasks, and set aside at least 20 minutes a day to work toward your goal.
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Dream about murdering someone If you kill someone in your dream, it could represent your desire to take control of a situation or overcome a specific obstacle in your life. Whether you want to “kill off” a relationship, job, or bad habit, this dream scenario is a sign to let go of the things that no longer serve you and make an active change to reach your goals.^{[13]
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- To free yourself from people and situations that no longer serve you, work on setting healthy boundaries in your life. Request time off from work to prevent burnout, limit your interactions with people who make you feel bad about yourself, and don’t be afraid to say “no” if you don’t feel like doing something.

Section 3 of 4:

Religious Meanings

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Dreams about being killed violently could be a sign to seek repentance. In many religions, dreams are interpreted as powerful messages from God (or whatever higher power you believe in), and they may offer insights into your life and future. Violent dreams, in particular, are believed to be a warning of the consequences of sin, so they encourage you to change your behavior and seek forgiveness.^{[14]
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- In Christianity, violence is seen as a result of sin, so dreams of being killed could be a sign to ask God for forgiveness and take the necessary steps toward justice and peace.
- In Islam, dreams of being killed are believed to be a message from Allah, urging you to strengthen your faith, seek forgiveness, and be more grateful every day.
- In Judaism, dreams of being killed can be a warning to be aware of your surroundings. Someone might be trying to harm you in real life, so keep an eye on your inner circle.
- In Hinduism, dreams of being killed may represent an internal conflict between your ego and your higher self. Strive for spiritual growth to achieve enlightenment and liberation.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Stop Dreams About Being Killed Violently

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Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If you’re experiencing recurring nightmares, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your quality of sleep, which may reduce the likelihood of your violent dreams.^{[15]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Coffee and alcohol can also disrupt your sleep schedule, so avoid drinking either beverage 4-6 hours before bedtime.^{[16]
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Engage in calming activities before bedtime. If you want to prevent violent dreams, put yourself in a relaxing mindset to ease into a peaceful slumber. Read a book, take a warm bath, listen to ASMR, meditate, or practice breathing exercises. Tuck your phone 1-2 hours before bedtime, and discourage any activities that require a lot of energy or emotion—the goal is to let go of any stress and anxiety before dozing off.^{[17]
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- Avoid stimulating activities like watching intense movies, playing video games, or engaging in deep conversations.
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Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. To get a good night’s sleep, tidy up your room, block out any light and excessive noise, adjust your thermostat to cool, and make sure your bed is comfortable. Creating a good sleep environment can help you improve both the quality and quantity of your sleep. Plus, put you in a calm state of mind to minimize nightmares.
- If your dreams are extremely upsetting, sleep with a nightlight to give you a sense of comfort and safety.
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Re-visualize your dreams with a positive ending. If you’re having recurring dreams of being killed violently, use image rehearsal therapy to reduce their frequency. Write down your dream in detail, rewrite any negative aspects into positive ones, imagine this new storyline during the day, then read your re-imagined dream right before bedtime. By restructuring your dream, you can “train” your brain to eliminate the disturbing parts.^{[18]
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- For example, if you keep dreaming of being stabbed to death in an alleyway, you could visualize the knife as a lightsaber and imagine you’re in a galaxy far, far away.
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Seek therapy if you have recurring nightmares. If you’re still experiencing violent dreams, talk to a therapist to determine any underlying issues. Unresolved trauma may contribute to the frequency and intensity of your dreams, especially if you tend to suppress your emotions. Once you address these past wounds, you might be able to get closure and eliminate nightmares entirely.^{[19]
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- If you have unresolved childhood trauma, for instance, a therapist can help you connect your dreams to past experiences, and then you can nurture your inner child, by validating your emotions and making an effort to be more playful every day.