Deadly: meaning, definitions and examples

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deadly

[ ˈdɛdli ]

^{Context #1}

in a dangerous way

Causing or able to cause death. Extremely dangerous or likely to cause harm. Extremely effective or efficient.

Synonyms

dangerous, fatal, lethal, mortal

Examples of usage

The snake's venom is deadly to humans.
The hurricane brought deadly winds and flooding.
The assassin's aim was deadly accurate.

^{Context #2}

in a manner that is likely to cause death

In a way that is likely to cause death. In a manner that is extremely effective or efficient.

Synonyms

dangerously, effectively, fatally, lethally

Examples of usage

The virus spreads deadly fast.
The soldier aimed deadly at the target.

^{Context #3}

something likely to cause death

A lethal or dangerous thing. A person or thing that is likely to cause harm.

Synonyms

danger, killer, threat

Examples of usage

The assassin was a deadly in the shadows.
The deadly of the situation was evident.

Translations

Translations of the word "deadly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 letal

🇮🇳 घातक

🇩🇪 tödlich

🇮🇩 mematikan

🇺🇦 смертельний

🇵🇱 śmiertelny

🇯🇵 致命的な

🇫🇷 mortel

🇪🇸 mortal

🇹🇷 ölümcül

🇰🇷 치명적인

🇸🇦 قاتل

🇨🇿 smrtící

🇸🇰 smrteľný

🇨🇳 致命的

🇸🇮 smrtonosen

🇮🇸 banvænn

🇰🇿 өлімге әкелетін

🇬🇪 სასიკვდილო

🇦🇿 ölümcül

🇲🇽 mortal

Word origin

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.