life-threatening

adjective

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

Dictionary Entries Near life-threatening

life table

life-threatening

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Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

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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
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