life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ 
-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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
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