Death

Definition

Death is a noun that refers to the end of life, the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. It marks the transition from life to the absence of life and can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɛθ/
• Respelling: DETH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɛθ/
• Respelling: DETH

Etymology

The word "death" originates from the Old English "dēaþ," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "dauthuz," meaning "end of life." It is related to Old Norse "dauði" and Gothic "dauþus." The term has roots in Proto-Indo-European "*dheu-" meaning "to die," emphasizing the natural end of life.

Derivatives

• Dead (adjective)
• Die (verb)
• Deathly (adjective)
• Deathbed (noun)
• Deathless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Demise
• Passing
• End

Antonyms

• Life
• Existence
• Birth

Usage

The noun "death" is widely used to signify the end of biological life, as in "The sudden death of the famous actor shocked fans." It also appears in figurative contexts, such as "the death of an era," to indicate the end of a period or condition.

Related Terms

• Funeral: A ceremony for honoring the deceased.
• Mourning: The expression of grief after death.
• Afterlife: The concept of life after death in various religions and cultures.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The end of life; cessation of all biological functions: Refers to the permanent termination of a living organism's vital processes.
  • Example: "The doctor confirmed his death after a long illness."
• The destruction or end of something: Used figuratively to signify the conclusion or failure of an object, idea, or condition.
  • Example: "The invention led to the death of traditional methods."