wrongful death

noun

: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

Examples of wrongful death in a Sentence

She filed a wrongful death suit against the hospital, alleging that its negligence led to her daughter's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perpétuo’s mother, Noemia Monique Carvalho, has filed a wrongful death suit against Lee seeking $50 million compensatory and punitive damages. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

While the criminal case proceeded, Wofford’s family filed a three-count wrongful death lawsuit against Tyler and the city, alleging negligent hiring and battery. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

The O'Keefes are suing Read for wrongful death and infliction of emotional distress. —Kristina Rex, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

The franchise is also emerging from a wrongful death civil trial in the wake of former pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ fatal drug overdose. —Matt Moret, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wrongful death

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• heth
• lethe
• meth
• seth
• sheth
• sneath

Legal Definition

wrongful death

noun

: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

sought damages for the wrongful death of their murdered daughter