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deadly sin
noun
: one of seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth held to be fatal to spiritual progress
Examples of deadly sin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The seven deadly sins—pride, greed, envy, lust, gluttony, wrath and sloth—are ancient concepts that permeate our modern life.
—Sandro Da Silva, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Each season has its own theme, ranging from the seven deadly sins and virtues in season two to an exploration of global literature in season three.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Pitt and Freeman played detectives trying to stop a serial killer whose series of murders are based on the seven deadly sins.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
The book, about a young girl who is always looking at her reflection, was part of a children’s series Du Bois created around the seven deadly sins (this one was pride).
—Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of deadly sin was
in the 13th century
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Cite this Entry
“Deadly sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadly%20sin. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
deadly sin
noun
: one of seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth considered in Christianity to be very serious and believed to cause other sins
More from Merriam-Webster on deadly sin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deadly sin
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