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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several injuries were reported, but authorities said none are life-threatening. Daniel Wine, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025 Nearly 40 vehicles were involved in another crash in Randall County, Barkley said, though no life-threatening injuries were reported. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 Spontaneous bleeding: Occurs without any apparent injury Recognizing these symptoms is vital for hemophilia management and preventing serious complications, especially joint damage and life-threatening internal bleeding. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025 Officials had a duty to warn people that Covid-19 could be more than a harmless viral infection, and potentially lead to a serious, and in some cases, disabling or life-threatening chronic condition. Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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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