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

Not like brushing shoulders with Lil Baby and Lil Yachty is a musical death sentence (Veeze is still tearing it up), but for a rapper who specialized in free-flowing street sermons, that slight touch of formalism and structure depletes the vibe. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

The lengthy trial concluded with the conviction and death sentence of the gunman, who remains on death row. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

As part of his guilty plea, he was protected from a possible death sentence. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

Today, as the global HIV/AIDS pandemic enters its fifth decade, scientific advances have transformed what was once widely understood as a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition for many people with access to treatment and quality care. — Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for death sentence

• presentence
• repentance

Legal Definition

death sentence

see also:

sentence