life-or-death

[lahyf-er-deth]

adjective

1. life-and-death.

Word History and Origins

Origin of life-or-death¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

A reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller “High and Low,” “Highest 2 Lowest” stars Washington as a wealthy music mogul whose livelihood is threatened by a life-or-death ransom demand.

From Los Angeles Times

“Rebirth” does, of course, boast plenty of tense, life-or-death moments of nail-biting tension.

From Salon

If they had, the life-or-death risks could have been avoided.

From Salon

Nevertheless, Murakami’s portrayal insists on an economy of movement and energy expenditure, reflecting an uncommon attitude in life-or-death action operas like this.

From Salon

Tyler Hack, founder of the Christopher Street Project, said: “There aren’t words strong enough to describe how shameful, cruel, and morally corrupt this ruling is. Access to gender-affirming care is life-or-death.”

From Salon

Related Words

• basic 
• critical 
• crucial 
• decisive 
• fundamental 
• imperative 
• important 
• indispensable 
• integral 
• key 
• meaningful 
• necessary 
• needed 
• significant 
• urgent