at death's door

phrase

Synonyms of at death's door next

: close to death : critically ill

Word History

First Known Use

1515, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at death's door was in 1515

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at daggers drawn

at death's door

atdt

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Style

“At death's door.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20death%27s%20door. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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at death's door

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