the death penalty
Definition of the death penalty
: death as a punishment given by a court of law for very serious crimes : capital punishment If convicted, he could face the death penalty. She opposes the death penalty.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: 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
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