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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2024

Wagstaff, the curator, was maybe registering something important when he worried that Warhol’s painted soup cans might deliver a deathblow to established notions of painting.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2023

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