predecease

verb

pre·​de·​cease ˌprē-di-ˈsēs How to pronounce predecease (audio)
predeceased; predeceasing

transitive verb

: to die before (another person)

intransitive verb

: to die first
predecease noun

Examples of predecease 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.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, William George Hupfeldt Jr.; and his stepbrother, Drew Cunliffe. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2023 He was predeceased by his parents, Edna and Willis Thompson, and brother W. Francis Thompson. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2023 Turner no longer wanted to wail and lament like Mahalia Jackson and the R&B legends that predeceased her. Taylor Crumpton, refinery29.com, 26 May 2023 The actor, who was predeceased by his daughter Lisa, is survived by Quinn-Castillo, his twin brother Bernie Castillo, grandchildren Brian and Stephanie Palmere and great-grandson Allen Palmere. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 24 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for predecease 

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of predecease was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near predecease

Cite this Entry

“Predecease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predecease. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

predecease

transitive verb
pre·​de·​cease ˌprē-di-ˈsēs How to pronounce predecease (audio)
predeceased; predeceasing
: to die before (another person)
when the child predeceases the parent

More from Merriam-Webster on predecease

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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