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 ingenious development of daraxonrasib was big news, since pancreatic cancer has been a death sentence until now. — CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

The defense wants to have the aggravator stricken before trial, which would eliminate the risk of a potential death sentence if he is convicted. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Williams, who pleaded guilty to killing Kamarie Holland, declined to appeal and requested that his death sentence be carried out. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Nor did Mangione plead guilty to avoid a potential death sentence. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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