life-and-death

American  

[lahyf-uhn-deth] / ˈlaɪf ənˈdɛθ /

adjective

1. ending with the death or possible death of one of the participants; crucially important.

   The cobra was engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the mongoose.

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life and death Idioms  

1. see matter of life and death.

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Etymology

Origin of life-and-death

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

That is all Charles Flores is asking for, an “opportunity to be heard” on a life-and-death matter.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Jess Asato, another Labour critic of the legislation, said "a bill like this with such profound life-and-death impacts... must not be forced through without the scrutiny it deserves".

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

In the Dinosaur Coast gallery, the beasts don’t just stand there: They guard their young from predators and engage in fierce life-and-death struggles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2025

If we are gamifying life-and-death issues, it could really negatively influence culture and society in a way we don’t like.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2025

Maybe that was true; or maybe it was more a matter of needing to have strict control over the behavior of those who held life-and-death power over other men.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover