deathblow

American  

[deth-bloh] / ˈdɛθˌbloʊ /

noun

1. a blow causing death.

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deathblow British  

/ ˈdɛθˌbləʊ /

noun

1. a thing or event that destroys life or hope, esp suddenly

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Etymology

Origin of deathblow

First recorded in 1785–95; death + blow ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deathblow

And neither reason for gold’s decline during the crisis deals a deathblow to its reputation as a useful risk hedge.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

An overhead shot shows us the lad preparing to strike the deathblow from a point of view that feels a million miles away, less a bird’s-eye view than a god’s.

From New York Times ● Apr. 2, 2024

The Wildlife Trusts said the decision was a "deathblow" for wildlife.

From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2024

Or that Nike’s closure isn’t a deathblow, just as Banana Republic, Gap and Macy’s departing didn’t end retail downtown.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2023

In 1784 she parted with the ancient property of Hos Tendis, at Sculthorpe in Norfolk, though its sale was a deathblow to the Bishop's aged widow, Mary-Margaret Alston.

From Story of My Life, volumes 1-3 by Augustus J. C. Hare

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