First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
death
noun \ˈdeth\
: the end of life : the time when someone or something dies
: the ending of a particular person's life
: the permanent end of something that is not alive : the ruin or destruction of something
Full Definition of DEATH
1
a : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : the end of life — compare brain death b : an instance of dying <a disease causing many deaths>
2
a : the cause or occasion of loss of life <drinking was the death of him> b : a cause of ruin <the slander that was death to my character — Wilkie Collins>
3
capitalized : the destroyer of life represented usually as a skeleton with a scythe
4
: the state of being dead
5
a : the passing or destruction of something inanimate <the death of vaudeville> b : extinction
6
7
8
Christian Science : the lie of life in matter : that which is unreal and untrue
— at death's door
: close to death : critically ill
— to death
: beyond endurance : excessively <bored to death>
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Origin of DEATH
Middle English deeth, from Old English dēath; akin to Old Norse dauthi death, deyja to die — more at die
Related to DEATH
DEATH Defined for Kids
death
noun \ˈdeth\
Definition of DEATH for Kids
1
: the end or ending of life
2
: the cause of loss of life <Drinking will be the death of him.>
3
: the state of being dead <He was more famous in death than in life.>
Medical Dictionary
death
noun \ˈdeth\
Medical Definition of DEATH
1
: the irreversible cessation of all vital functions especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of the heart, respiration, and brain activity : the end of life—see brain death
2
: the cause or occasion of loss of life <drinking was the death of him>
3
: the state of being dead <in death as in life>
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