wrongful death

noun

: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

Examples of wrongful death in a Sentence

She filed a wrongful death suit against the hospital, alleging that its negligence led to her daughter's death.
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 May 2024 Scott and Live Nation settled the last of the wrongful death lawsuits. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026 Family files wrongful death lawsuit Jennifer and Justin Barbour, the daughter and son-in-law of Avila, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and Butler on June 23, according to Harris County court documents. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 July 2026 In one case, the Jupiter family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Google, saying the company’s chatbot, Gemini, contributed to their son’s death by fueling severe delusions and eventually coaching him through taking his own life. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026 According to the complaint, the Barbours are seeking personal injury damages for their physical injuries, and survival and wrongful death damages for Avila's estate. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongful death

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongful death was in 1952

Rhymes for wrongful death

See All Rhymes for wrongful death

Browse Nearby Words

wrongful birth
wrongful death
wronghead
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Cite this Entry

“Wrongful death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful%20death. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

wrongful death

noun
: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another
sought damages for the wrongful death of their murdered daughter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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