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