life-and-death

[lahyf-uhn-deth]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of life and death¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Idioms and Phrases

see matter of life and death.

Example Sentences

Smart, philosophical, at times darkly comic, the series took place at a run-down Boston hospital where, like “The Pitt,” a talented, if beleaguered, staff faced life-and-death choices for often underserved patients.

From Los Angeles Times

It said the diversity of opinion within the board "is not unlike the politics of Israel itself, whose rambunctious democratic culture sees a fierce exchange of views about these excruciating life-and-death issues".

From BBC

It’s actually a reflection of a disturbing failure: Our government does not properly alert people about disasters, with life-and-death consequences.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s nothing like a life-and-death situation turning out “life” to moisten one’s eyes, especially if you or a loved one has spent any time in the medical system, or feared the possibility.

From Los Angeles Times

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