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.
The group accused Netanyahu's government of showing blatant disregard for the captives, warning that the decision to occupy Gaza is essentially a death sentence for those being held. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025 The decision to accept Posey’s guilty plea rather than pursue the death sentence reflected the consensus of the many people affected by Posey’s violent acts, Rogers said. Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2025 Hostage families have expressed that military action to free the hostages is a death sentence for them. Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Aug. 2025 Thompson has received criticism — mainly from the Goncalves family, but also from Kernodle’s father — for striking a deal with the defense that bypassed trial and a possible death sentence for the man who murdered their daughters. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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