Lethal

Definition

Causing, or capable of causing, death.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈliːθəl/
• Respelling: LEE-thuhl (with "LEE" as in "see" and "thuhl" as in "thistle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈliːθəl/
• Respelling: LEE-thuhl (with "LEE" as in "see" and "thuhl" as in "thistle")

In both dialects, "lethal" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LEE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LEE-thuhl."

Etymology

The term "lethal" is derived from the Late Latin word "lētālis", which means 'deadly', from Latin "lētum", meaning 'death'.

Derivatives

• Lethality
• Lethally
• Nonlethal
• Lethalness
• Sublethal

Synonyms

• Deadly
• Fatal
• Mortal

Antonyms

• Harmless
• Benign
• Nonfatal

Usage

Lethal is used to describe substances, actions, or conditions that can cause death. It is commonly used in medical, military, and legal contexts to emphasize the potential for fatal outcomes.

Related Terms

• Toxic: Poisonous and capable of causing harm or death.
• Venomous: Capable of injecting venom through a bite or sting.
• Deadly: Causing or able to cause death.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Lethal (Adjective): Capable of causing death.
  • Example: "The snake's venom is lethal to humans."

• Lethal (Adjective): Sufficient to cause death.
  • Example: "He received a lethal dose of the poison."