life-threatening

adjective

life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
-ˌthret-niŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
a life-threatening disease/condition
The injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence

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.
Exposure to the nuts can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock, which can cause serious, life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, according to Mayo Clinic. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 The undeclared peanuts now pose the risk of serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions for people with an allergy or sensitivity to peanuts. Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Oct. 2025 The 55-year-old driver who struck the patrol vehicle, and their passenger, who also were not identified, were both transported to the local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the MSP said. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for life-threatening

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life-threatening was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

life-threatening

adjective
life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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