life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ 
-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
The head of the Catholic church died Monday at 88 years old following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments.
—
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The adult male driver had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was stabilized.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Both women were hospitalized with life-threatening conditions from the incident, including traumatic brain injuries and broken bones.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
In severe instances, individuals may experience anaphylaxis - a potentially life-threatening reaction that can involve throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulties and unconsciousness.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The adult male driver had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was stabilized.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Both women were hospitalized with life-threatening conditions from the incident, including traumatic brain injuries and broken bones.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
In severe instances, individuals may experience anaphylaxis - a potentially life-threatening reaction that can involve throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulties and unconsciousness.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
Cite this Entry
“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
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