The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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lethal

adjective

/ˈliːθl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of lethal

Having the potential to cause death, serious harm, or fatal consequences.
"The venom of the snake was lethal and could cause death within minutes."

Detailed meaning of lethal

When applied to a weapon, substance, or situation, it signifies a capacity for causing deadly injury or damage. Lethal force, for instance, refers to the level of force that can result in fatal outcomes, often employed in self-defense or law enforcement contexts as a last resort. In a broader sense, "lethal" can also be used metaphorically to describe actions, decisions, or consequences that have the power to be extremely destructive or devastating. This term conveys a sense of grave danger and underscores the potential for loss of life or irreparable harm when dealing with lethal elements.

Example sentences containing lethal

1. The combination of chemicals was lethal and should not be handled without proper protection.
2. The weapon was lethal and capable of causing severe damage.
3. The disease was lethal and had a high mortality rate.
4. The air pollution levels were lethal and a danger to public health.
5. The dose of medication given was lethal and resulted in an overdose.
6. The explosion was lethal and caused significant damage and loss of life.

History and etymology of lethal

The adjective 'lethal' has its origins in Latin, derived from the word 'letalis,' which means 'deadly' or 'fatal.' The term 'letalis' is connected to 'letum,' meaning 'death.' Therefore, 'lethal' essentially means having the potential to cause death, serious harm, or fatal consequences. Its etymology underscores the life-and-death nature of the subject it describes, emphasizing the deadly and dangerous aspects of something that can lead to lethal outcomes.

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Further usage examples of lethal

1. The storm was lethal and caused widespread destruction.
2. The bacteria was lethal and could cause serious illness or death.
3. The trap was lethal and could cause serious injury or death.
4. The virus was lethal and could spread rapidly.
5. The radiation was lethal and could cause cancer and other health issues.
6. The assassin's expertise made his every move appear lethal.
7. The venomous snake's bite was undeniably lethal.
8. Extreme caution is required when handling lethal chemicals.
9. The boxer's knockout punch was incredibly lethal.
10. The virus posed a lethal threat to public health.
11. The combination of alcohol and driving is always lethal.
12. The hurricane's destructive power was truly lethal.
13. A single wrong step on the icy mountain path could be lethal.
14. The criminal was armed with a lethal weapon.
15. The spider's bite was unexpectedly lethal.
16. Lethal doses of radiation can have devastating consequences.
17. The serial killer had a reputation for his lethal methods.
18. The scorpion's sting is known to be highly lethal.
19. The ninja's precision strikes were undeniably lethal.
20. Exposure to extreme cold can be lethal without proper attire.
21. The dictator's regime was responsible for many lethal actions.
22. The drug overdose had a potentially lethal outcome.
23. The cobra's venom contains lethal neurotoxins.
24. The wildfire's rapid spread posed a lethal threat to homes.
25. In the wild, predators rely on their lethal instincts to survive.