life-threatening

adjective

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

Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ticks are bugs responsible for spreading potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Maria Masters, Health, 9 June 2024 As the victims, some as young as 14 years old, recover from their injuries – none life-threatening – police are asking the public for any information or videos to help lead them to a suspect. Jillian Sykes, CNN, 9 June 2024 The new protocol does not affect some groups of migrants, such as unaccompanied children or those facing life-threatening emergencies, as well as those with CBP One appointments, according to DHS. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024 One person was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department posted on X, the former Twitter. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for life-threatening 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'life-threatening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!