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

Or return to a nation so overwhelmed by gang violence and poverty that some feel deportation is tantamount to a death sentence. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Since Horner received a death sentence, his case automatically goes through a direct appeal with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Lucas received the death sentence for the murder of his 16-year-old former girlfriend in Bonita Springs almost 50 years ago. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

In the documentary, the police chief argues that four life sentences is the same thing as a death sentence. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 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