nonfatal

adjective

non·​fa·​tal ˌnän-ˈfā-tᵊl How to pronounce nonfatal (audio)
Synonyms of nonfatalnext
: not causing death : not fatal
nonfatal infections
a nonfatal wound

Examples of nonfatal 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.
Homicide and nonfatal shooting totals fell again in 2023, but the city was roiled by robbery and carjacking crews responsible for an overall uptick in violence. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 Ronald Fluker was prosecuted as part of a large-scale 2019 case involving 16 shootings, three homicides, and a string of home invasion robberies and carjackings, including the nonfatal shooting of an Orinda school board member. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026 The teen was transported to a hospital with nonfatal injuries. Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Johnson, 47, is charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the death of Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott and the nonfatal shooting of his publicly unidentified colleague before running away, causing an hours-long manhunt. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonfatal

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfatal was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Nonfatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfatal. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

nonfatal

adjective
non·​fa·​tal -ˈfāt-ᵊl How to pronounce nonfatal (audio)
: not fatal
nonfatal infections

More from Merriam-Webster on nonfatal

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