life-or-death
[lahyf-er-deth]
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Origin of life-or-death
First recorded in 1680–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for life-or-death
Contemporary Examples
A fascinating book reveals the life-or-death rush of base jumping.
The fussy legal language complicates what is sometimes a life-or-death situation.
The crews of those boats would have to make the life-or-death decision themselves about how much time is “sufficient.”
Constantino-Diaz Duran reports on the eerie similarities—and the life-or-death differences.
What McEvoy uncovers is not just a big story, but a life-or-death situation involving an especially devious serial killer.
Historical Examples
It was a punishment that satisfied both sides of the life-or-death argument.
The Penal ClusterIvar Jorgensen (AKA Randall Garrett)
Brigham struck out as if he comprehended that this was a life-or-death matter.
An Autobiography of Buffalo Bill (Colonel W. F. Cody)Buffalo Bill (William Frederick Cody)
In a life-or-death matter such as now confronts us regarding the wild life of our country, it is time to speak plainly.
Our Vanishing Wild LifeWilliam T. Hornaday
It was a life-or-death struggle with the elements--English courage and brawn pitted against the combined action of wind and sea.
The Quest of the 'Golden Hope'Percy F. Westerman
Kenniston, unable to turn from the life-or-death business of threading the swarm, heard the Jovian fighting furiously.
The World with a Thousand MoonsEdmond Hamilton