1 lethal | Definition of lethal

lethal

adjective
le·​thal | \ ˈlÄ“-thÉ™l How to pronounce lethal (audio) \

Definition of lethal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or causing death death by lethal injection
b : capable of causing death lethal chemicals
2 : gravely damaging or destructive : devastating a lethal attack on his reputation
3 : very potent or effective a lethal fastball also : having a high alcohol content a lethal rum punch

lethal

noun

Definition of lethal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an abnormality of genetic origin causing the death of the organism possessing it

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Other Words from lethal

Adjective

lethality \ lÄ“-​ˈtha-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce lethality (audio) \ noun
lethally \ ˈlÄ“-​thÉ™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce lethally (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for lethal

Synonyms: Adjective

baleful, deadly, deathly, fatal, fell, killer, mortal, murderous, pestilent, terminal, vital

Antonyms: Adjective

healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, wholesome

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Choose the Right Synonym for lethal

Adjective

deadly, mortal, fatal, lethal mean causing or capable of causing death. deadly applies to an established or very likely cause of death. a deadly disease mortal implies that death has occurred or is inevitable. a mortal wound fatal stresses the inevitability of what has in fact resulted in death or destruction. fatal consequences lethal applies to something that is bound to cause death or exists for the destruction of life. lethal gas

Examples of lethal in a Sentence

Adjective

a potentially lethal dose of a drug He was sentenced to death by lethal injection.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The pamphlets would include a description of an Ohio law that requires someone to attempt to retreat before using lethal force. Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland.com, "How one Ohio gun-rights group aims to upend the public debate by scaring Republicans," 27 Aug. 2019 As part of this reform, leaders are expected to engage with industry — in a full and open manner within legal boundaries — to find ways to reform our business practices and build a more lethal force. James Bandler, ProPublica, "How Amazon and Silicon Valley Seduced the Pentagon," 22 Aug. 2019 The army could even end up using lethal force, even if that was not the original plan. The Economist, "Chinese troops must stay off the streets of Hong Kong," 8 Aug. 2019 The Alabama Sentry Program allows armed administrators to use lethal force if a gunman were to enter a school. al, "Program arming Alabama administrators ‘active’ but details secret," 8 Aug. 2019 At the age of 21-years-old, the full-back has established himself as both a quality defender and a lethal attacking force. SI.com, "James Justin: Why Leicester's Latest Starlet Is the Bargain Signing of the Summer," 28 July 2019 Tasers have long been touted as a way for police to get control of suspects who are resisting arrest or who pose a threat to officers, without resorting to lethal force. Nico Savidge, The Mercury News, "Sheriff could limit Taser use after deadly San Mateo County arrests," 22 July 2019 Bourgeois, 55, is set to be executed by lethal injection Jan. 13, 2020, at the U.S. prison in Terre Haute, Ind. Sarah Sarder, Dallas News, "Trucker who joked about killing daughter in Texas faces federal execution after long hiatus," 1 Aug. 2019 The method has to comply with the Eighth Amendment and Ohio law, which requires execution in the form of lethal injection, DeWine's office said. Emanuella Grinberg And Rebekah Riess, CNN, "Ohio governor delays execution because drug companies won't supply the state," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lethal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lethal

Adjective

circa 1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for lethal

Adjective and Noun

Latin letalis, lethalis, from letum death

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More Definitions for lethal

lethal

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of lethal

: causing or able to cause death

lethal

adjective
le·​thal | \ ˈlÄ“-thÉ™l How to pronounce lethal (audio) \

Medical Definition of lethal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or causing death a lethal injury also : capable of causing death lethal chemicals a lethal dose

Other Words from lethal

lethality \ lÄ“-​ˈthal-​É™t-​Ä“ How to pronounce lethality (audio) \ noun,