the death penalty

: a permanent cessation of all vital (see vital 2a) functions : the end of life — compare brain death

: an instance of dying

: the cause or occasion of loss of life

: the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense

: the suffering or the sum to be forfeited to which a person agrees to be subjected in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations

: disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action