This is the 540th most frequent Swedish word.
ihjäl
To death.
In this sentence, 'ihjäl' is used to indicate that the mosquito was hit to the extent of its death. 'Ihjäl' is commonly combined with action verbs to emphasize that the action results in death.
Han slog ihjäl myggan.
He killed the mosquito.
The word 'ihjäl' here demonstrates the fatal consequence of the flying action against a barrier, underscoring the result of unintended fatality.
Fåglarna flög ihjäl sig mot glasrutan.
The birds accidentally killed themselves flying into the glass.
Here, 'ihjäl' metaphorically intensifies the commitment described by 'worked herself,' illustrating hyperbolic emphasis on the toll of effort.