death ray

American  

noun

1. a hypothetical ray that destroys life from a distance.

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death ray British  

noun

1. an imaginary ray capable of killing

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Etymology

Origin of death ray

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The United States was hardly alone in its fervour for a death ray.

From Nature • Jan. 8, 2019

It’s the corporate equivalent of building a death ray to rob a lemonade stand.

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2018

Wiped completely thanks to a coronal mass ejection, EMP bomb or alien death ray, I’m willing to bet.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2018

He hasn't taken candy from a baby or cancelled Christmas or constructed a giant death ray aimed at the planet's major cities.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2015

“He also built a death ray made of mirrors that could burn enemy ships,” Leo said.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan