dead on arrival

phrase

: having died before getting to a hospital, emergency room, etc.
The victim was dead on arrival at the hospital.
often used figuratively
The bill was dead on arrival in the Senate.

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Cite this Entry

“Dead on arrival.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead%20on%20arrival. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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