Deathblow: meaning, definitions and examples
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deathblow
[ ˈdɛθbloʊ ]
final strike
A deathblow is a decisive, often lethal strike that leads to the defeat or destruction of an opponent or enemy. It is commonly used to describe the finishing move in a fight, where one party delivers a blow that ensures victory, often resulting in the death of the opponent. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any action or decision that leads to the downfall of an entity, such as a business or organization. The notion of a deathblow conveys a sense of finality and irreversibility.
Synonyms
coup de grâce, decisive strike, finishing blow, kill shot
Examples of usage
- He delivered the deathblow in the final round.
- The scandal was the deathblow to her political career.
- The final goal was the deathblow to their hopes of winning.
- The whistleblower dealt a deathblow to the company’s reputation.
Translations
Translations of the word "deathblow" in other languages:
🇵🇹 golpe mortal
🇮🇳 मौत का झटका
🇩🇪 Todesstoß
🇮🇩 pukulan maut
🇺🇦 смертельний удар
🇵🇱 cios śmierci
🇯🇵 致命的な一撃
🇫🇷 coup mortel
🇪🇸 golpe mortal
🇹🇷 ölümcül darbe
🇰🇷 죽음의 타격
🇸🇦 ضربة مميتة
🇨🇿 smrtelný úder
🇸🇰 smrteľný úder
🇨🇳 致命一击
🇸🇮 smrtonosni udarec
🇮🇸 dauðaslag
🇰🇿 смертельный соққы
🇬🇪 მौतების დარტყმა
🇦🇿 ölümcül zərbə
🇲🇽 golpe mortal
Etymology
The term 'deathblow' is derived from the combination of the words 'death' and 'blow'. The word 'death' has its roots in Old English 'deaþ', which is related to the concept of the end of life and mortality. The word 'blow' comes from the Old English 'blāwan', meaning to strike or hit. The term began to be used in the English language around the late 19th century, particularly in the context of combat and warfare, to describe a lethal strike that ends a conflict. Over time, its usage expanded into metaphorical contexts, encompassing figurative language in politics, business, and other competitive scenarios. The deathblow symbolizes not only physical defeat but also represents the cultural significance of finality and conclusion in various aspects of life.