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

Prosecutors, pursuing a potential death sentence, say DNA on a towel and a rooftop surveillance video, plus a note and texts to Robinson’s roommate-partner, strongly link him to the shooting. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Iraq, Canada, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia After accidentally cursing President Saddam Hussein on stage, theater actor Salem convinces a military court of his insanity to escape a death sentence. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 July 2026

The man who killed her cousin received a sentence of life without parole, a punishment that spared her family from the many years or even decades of appeals that often accompany a death sentence. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

During a defendant's sentencing phase, defense attorneys are duty-bound to present mitigating evidence that could spare their client from a death sentence. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 June 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