Deadly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The word 'deadly' originated from Old English 'deadlic', which meant causing death. Over time, its meaning expanded to include things that are extremely dangerous or effective. The association with death gives 'deadly' its powerful and impactful connotation in modern usage.

See also: dead, deadbeat, deaden, deadline, deadliness, deadlock, deadness, deadpan, undead.

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
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• 6669 verification
• 6670 deadly
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