deathly

American  

[deth-lee] / ˈdɛθ li /

adjective

1. causing death; deadly; fatal.

2. like death.

   a deathly silence.

3. of, relating to, or indicating death; morbid.

   a deathly odor from the sepulcher.

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adverb

1. in the manner of death.

2. very; utterly.

   deathly afraid.

deathly British  

/ ˈdɛθlɪ /

adjective

1. deadly

2. resembling death

   a deathly quiet

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Other Word Forms

• deathliness
  noun
• predeathly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of deathly

before 1000; Middle English dethlich, Old English dēathlīc. See death, -ly

Explanation

Something that's deathly reminds you of death. If you dress up as a ghost for Halloween, the makeup on your cheeks might turn your face a deathy shade of gray. A spooky silence can be described as deathly silent, and an unhealthy skin color is often called a deathly pallor. When you shiver, your friend might take your hand and say, "You have a deathly chill." An older meaning of deathly, used especially in literature, was "causing death." The Old English root word is deaþlic, "mortal."

Example Sentences

In March 2008, Warner Bros. announced that the final film adaptation in the world-dominating “Harry Potter” franchise, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” would be split into two separate movies, released eight months apart.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2025

In January 2009 he broke his neck rehearsing a stunt for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and sustained a spinal injury that left him paralysed.

From BBC • May 3, 2024

At 17 days, “Barbie” tied the studio record for the fastest time to hit $1 billion globally, matching 2011’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2023

The previous record-holder, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, achieved the feat after 19 days.

From DOGO News • Aug. 23, 2023

If he were the master of the Deathly Hallows, would he be safe?

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling