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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.
Brooks’ accomplice, Woody Loudres, also received a death sentence for the murder, but it was reduced as part of a plea deal after the conviction was tossed on appeal. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025 Since the Parkland massacre, 8 out of 12 votes are required by juries in Florida to give a death sentence. Joan Murray, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 Remaining in their homeland was akin to a death sentence. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025 The main way this gets better is by talking about it, and making clear to people that an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence – with the right and ongoing health supports. David Oliver, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025 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 9 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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