Definition of deal a blow
formal
: to hit (someone or something) so as to cause harm
He dealt his enemy a mighty blow. —usually used figurativelyThe factory closing will deal a serious/severe/devastating/crushing blow to the town's economy.Her career as an ice skater was dealt a fatal blow when she broke her leg.
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share deal a blow