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

The firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will be livestreamed, the Pentagon said, after War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Thursday that the death sentence would be public. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026

Half of them have contracted the disease — a death sentence then — and together grapple with how to find love and purpose. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

An 0-4 start is basically a death sentence for a team’s playoff hopes. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

By the medieval period, Christianity was the dominant religion of Europe, but long-distance travel was extremely difficult, and embarking upon a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was often regarded as a death sentence. — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 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