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.
Some medications and supplements can have serious, even life-threatening, interactions. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if consumed, the CDC says. James Powel, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Pertussis can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, especially in babies younger than 1 year old, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024 However, Jones always intended for the work to be about life-threatening illnesses more broadly — about HIV/AIDS, yes, but also about breast cancer and cystic fibrosis, too. Michael Cuby, Them, 29 Oct. 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 14 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
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