Deadly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'deað', which means death, combined with the suffix '-ly' that describes the manner of something.
• Its usage can be traced back to at least the 14th century, where it often described something very harmful or destructive.

Science

• Certain chemicals, like nerve agents, have 'deadly' properties and can incapacitate or kill almost instantly upon exposure.
• In medicine, diseases are termed 'deadly' when they have high mortality rates, such as rabies or Ebola virus.

Pop Culture

• 'Deadly' is often used in movie titles to emphasize danger, such as 'A Deadly Adoption' or 'Deadly Prey'.
• Video games frequently label characters or weapons as 'deadly' to indicate high risk or lethal potential.

Literature

• In classic literature, characters often embody 'deadly' traits, like jealousy or ambition, leading to tragic outcomes—think of Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth'.
• Poets sometimes use 'deadly' imagery to convey despair or danger, adding depth to emotional themes.

History

• In war, strategies considered 'deadly' have often changed the tide of battles, such as the introduction of nuclear weapons.
• Historical events like the Black Death show how diseases labeled as 'deadly' can dramatically affect populations.

At #6,670 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6667 maid
• 6668 trigger
• 6669 verification
• 6670 deadly
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• 6672 feeble
• 6673 lighted
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