lethal

[lee-thuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing death; deadly; fatal: a lethal dose.

   a lethal weapon;

   a lethal dose.

2. made or carried out to cause death: a lethal attack.

   a lethal chamber;

   a lethal attack.

3. causing great harm or destruction.

   The disclosures were lethal to his candidacy.

lethal

/ liːˈθælɪtɪ, ˈliːθəl /

adjective

1. able to cause or causing death

2. of or suggestive of death

Other Word Forms

• lethality noun
• lethally adverb
• lethalness noun
• hyperlethal adjective
• nonlethal adjective
• nonlethally adverb
• semilethal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethal¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin lētālis, equivalent to lēt(um) “death” + -ālis -al ¹; spelling (hence pronunciation) with -h- by association with Greek lḗthē “oblivion”; Lethe ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethal¹

C16: from Latin lēthālis, from lētum death

Synonym Study

See fatal.

Example Sentences

Legally designating a gang or cartel as a terrorist entity ostensibly gives the president greater legal cover to conduct lethal strikes on targets.

From Los Angeles Times

That includes one whose knack for surviving one of the galaxy’s most lethal species makes her a symbol of feminist ferocity and a pop culture icon.

From Salon

The designation means the US can target the assets and properties of anyone associated with the groups and share intelligence with the Ecuadorian government without limitations so it could take "potentially lethal" actions.

From BBC

“Nowhere Is Where” is silent but lethal, Price’s gorgeously textured voice over an acoustic guitar, small harmonies on the chorus, an upright bass over in the corner, a fiddle underscoring the anguish.

From Salon

The 29-year-old returned in Northampton and scored the final try of the game, but had a mixed display compared to the lethal Breach, who now has 52 tries in 49 caps.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangerous 
• destructive 
• devastating 
• fatal 
• harmful 
• malignant 
• mortal 
• murderous 
• noxious 
• pernicious 
• poisonous 
• virulent