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Showing results for deathblow. Search instead for Death-Blow.
Synonyms

deathblow

American  
[deth-bloh] / ˈdɛθˌbloʊ /

noun

  1. a blow causing death.


deathblow British  
/ ˈdɛθˌbləʊ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of deathblow

First recorded in 1785–95; death + blow 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Meleager, whose spear provides the final deathblow, has been moved from the left side of the marble composition to a central position in the painting.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2021

It provoked on the contrary general applause, and Owen congratulated himself rather hastily on having struck the deathblow of superstition.

From The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) James Mill by Stephen, Leslie, Sir

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