death sentence

noun

1
: a sentence condemning a convicted defendant to death
2
: an affliction or a situation that is considered to be fatal
also : a prognosis of death

Examples of death sentence in a Sentence

She received a death sentence for the murders.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The status quo is a death sentence, and the Far Northwest Side is currently unequipped to stop it. Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Horner, 34, faces a death sentence or life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in Athena’s death. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 New medications have transformed HIV-AIDS from an imminent death sentence into a manageable chronic condition with a near-normal life span. Chris Pope, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026 He was handed a second death sentence in October 2007. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for death sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of death sentence was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Death sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20sentence. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see also:
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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