dead on arrival
Definition of dead on arrival
: having died before getting to a hospital, emergency room, etc. The victim was dead on arrival at the hospital. —often used figuratively Some are saying that any new tax proposal would be dead on arrival.
Explore M-W
Word by Word Definitions
deadplay
: deprived of life : no longer alive
: having the appearance of death : deathly
: lacking power to move, feel, or respond : numb
: someone who is no longer alive : one that is dead (see 1dead 1)
: the state of being dead
: the time of greatest quiet
: absolutely, utterly
: suddenly and completely
: directly
See the full definition of dead
arrivalplay
See the full definition of arrival
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dead on arrival? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!