Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Death's head Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💀
Add to dictionary

death's head

[deθz hɛd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

skull symbol

A representation of a human skull, often used as a symbol of death or mortality.

Synonyms

mortality emblem, skull symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
death's head

This term is often used in literature or conversations to symbolize death or danger. It has a foreboding and ominous connotation.

  • The pirate flag showed a fearsome death's head, warning others to stay away.
  • In her nightmares, she kept seeing the image of a death's head, haunting her troubled sleep.
skull symbol

This is a more neutral term and can be used in everyday conversation. It might be used to describe various instances where a skull is depicted, often in fashion, logos, or warnings.

  • The warning sign at the chemical plant had a skull symbol to indicate danger.
  • He wore a t-shirt with a skull symbol on it, giving him a rebellious look.
mortality emblem

This phrase is more formal and is often used in academic, philosophical, or artistic discussions to represent the concept of mortality and the transient nature of life.

  • During the lecture, the professor described the human skull as a powerful mortality emblem.
  • The painting featured a prominent mortality emblem, reminding viewers of the inevitability of death.

Examples of usage

  • The death's head emblem was commonly used in medieval art.
  • The death's head tattoo on his arm was a symbol of his dark past.
Context #2 | Noun

butterfly

A moth of the family Acherontiidae, characterized by a pattern on the thorax resembling a human skull.

Synonyms

Acherontia atropos, skull butterfly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
death's head

Used often in literature, art, or discussions about dark, gothic, or macabre themes to describe a depiction or symbol of a human skull, signifying mortality or danger.

  • The pirate flag bore a menacing death's head and crossbones
  • The painting featured a death's head in the corner, a stark reminder of life's fragility
Acherontia atropos

Used in scientific, entomological, or scholarly contexts to refer specifically to a species of moth known for its distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. This species is less commonly known by the general public and more frequently used in academic or scientific writing.

  • In the study, researchers documented the migration patterns of Acherontia atropos
  • The student presented her project on the life cycle of Acherontia atropos
skull butterfly

Used in more casual or layman contexts to describe the same species of moth, Acherontia atropos, particularly when speaking to a general audience or children who may find the term more accessible and descriptive.

  • We spotted a skull butterfly resting on the windowsill
  • The children were fascinated by the skull butterfly's unique markings

Examples of usage

  • The death's head moth is known for its unique markings resembling a skull.
  • She was fascinated by the beauty of the death's head butterfly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Artists during the Baroque period frequently used the death's head symbol in still-life paintings to represent the fleeting nature of life.
  • In tattoo art, the skull is often combined with flowers or clocks, symbolizing life's beauty alongside its impermanence.

Culture and Literature

  • In many cultures, the death's head motif can signify remembrance, often seen in memorials and tombstones.
  • Gothic literature often employs the skull as a symbol of mystery and the supernatural, evoking themes of the unknown.

Psychology

  • The use of skull imagery can evoke fear, but it also prompts contemplation of life and mortality, leading to deeper existential thoughts.
  • Some psychologists believe that confronting symbols of death can encourage people to appreciate life more fully.

Symbolism

  • In heraldry, the skull and crossbones is a well-known representation of danger, often linked to pirates and poison.
  • The death's head is used in military insignias, symbolizing the acceptance of death and the courage of soldiers in battle.

Origin of 'death's head'

Main points about word origin

  • The phrase 'death's head' dates back to the late 15th century, emphasizing the concept of mortality.
  • In Old English, the term 'deað' meant death and 'heafod' referred to the head, combining to convey the image of a skull.

The term 'death's head' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'death' and 'head' to refer to a representation of a human skull. The symbol has been used in various cultures and contexts to represent mortality, the macabre, or the passage of time. The image of a skull has long been associated with death and has appeared in art, literature, and folklore throughout history.