deathful

American  

[deth-fuhl] / ˈdɛθ fəl /

adjective

1. deadly; fatal.

2. resembling death; deathlike.

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Etymology

Origin of deathful

First recorded in 1200–50, deathful is from the Middle English word deethful. See death, -ful

Example Sentences

Suddenly a cannon thundered royally, and down the narrow street rushed a deathful defiance, carrying disorder and dismay to the assailants, joy and wonder to the nearly exhausted defenders.

From Moods by Alcott, Louisa May

You are not an artist by reproving nature into deathful sameness, but by animating your copy of her into vital variation.

From Val d'Arno by Ruskin, John

Now, deeply yearning o'er our deathful fate, With joyful hope of India's shore elate, We loose the hawsers and the sail expand, And, upward coast the Ethiopian strand.

From The Lusiad or The Discovery of India, an Epic Poem by Camões, Luís de

From the union of Space and Time springs a child, Orc, hereafter the deliverer, whom the father and mother chain with the chain of jealousy below the deathful shadow of Urizen.

From William Blake A Study of His Life and Art Work by Langridge, Irene

But vain was valor—vain the flower Of KERMAN, in that deathful hour, Against AL HASSAN'S whelming power.—

From The Complete Poems of Sir Thomas Moore Collected by Himself with Explanatory Notes by Rossetti, William Michael

Related Words

• ghastly