Main Entry: ¹le·thal

Pronunciation: \ˈlē-thəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin letalis, lethalis, from letum death

Date: circa 1604

1 a : 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>

synonyms see deadly

— le·thal·i·ty \lē-ˈtha-lə-tē\ noun

— le·thal·ly \ˈlē-thə-lē\ adverb