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.
According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, people who insult Islam or Islamic figures can face a possible death sentence. NPR, 24 Oct. 2025 To not premiere in 2025 feels like a death sentence for the series. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025 Kohberger, 30, reached an agreement in July to plead guilty to four counts of murder in exchange for avoiding a trial and also dropping a possible death sentence. Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 For those fighting for the CFP, that can be a death sentence. Doug Haller, New York Times, 19 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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