life-threatening

adjective

life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
-ˌthret-niŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
a life-threatening disease/condition
The injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Common symptoms include: Fever Muscle aches Headache Stiff neck Confusion Loss of balance Convulsions Diarrhea Other gastrointestinal symptoms Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants Death Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 These impacts on the cardiovascular system may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, and cardiac arrest. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 Stitt warned potential life-threatening conditions will move across the state. Robert Shackelford, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for life-threatening 

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life-threatening was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near life-threatening

Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

life-threatening

adjective
life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!