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.
These are all easily life-threatening conditions. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, life-threatening rip currents, dangerous shore break, and strong longshore currents. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025 Allergens can be life-threatening for children with food allergies. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025 The injured person was conscious and taken to Florida Medical Center after suffering a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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