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.
In the worst cases, sesame allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening, the Food Allergy Institute reported on its website. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Last month, Frito-Lay issued a recall warning that more than 6,300 of its 13-ounce bags may contain undeclared milk posing a risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 This will make many people much more vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses. Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 28 Jan. 2025 The athletes were treated on-site and then moved to surrounding hospitals, the governing body said, adding that none of those who were hit had suffered life-threatening injuries. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 28 Jan. 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

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 2 Feb. 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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