adjective

mortal

Causing or capable of causing death.

The spreading infection poses a mortal threat to the patient.

Etymology

Latin mortalis means subject to death or connected with death. A mortal wound or danger is one capable of bringing death about.

More examples

  • The knight suffers a mortal wound in the battle.
  • Without shelter, the hikers are in mortal danger.
  • Two passengers were mortally injured in the crash.

Forms

mortal

mortally adverb — In a way that causes death.

Similar words

fatal
Usually describes an injury or event that actually causes death.
lethal
Emphasizes the power of a substance or weapon to kill.
deadly
More common in everyday descriptions of things that can kill.