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Decease: meaning, definitions and examples

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decease

 

[ dɪˈsiːs ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Decease refers to the state of having died or the process of dying. It is often used in legal and medical contexts to describe the end of life. In a broader sense, decease encompasses the concept of mortality in human beings. The term may also imply the cessation of biological functions that sustain life, marking a significant event in both personal and public realms.

Synonyms

death, demise, expiration, passing

Examples of usage

  • The decease of the author was widely mourned.
  • His decease prompted a memorial service.
  • The report includes statistics on decease rates.
  • The family was notified of her decease.
Context #2 | Verb

formal language

To decease means to die or to pass away. It is a formal term frequently used in legal documents and formal announcements regarding someone's death. While it serves the same purpose as 'die', it carries a more respectful and solemn connotation. This term is rarely used in everyday conversations.

Synonyms

depart, die, expire, pass away

Examples of usage

  • The patient may decease if not treated promptly.
  • He would soon decease if no help arrived.
  • To decease peacefully is often the wish of many.
  • They prepared for the eventuality that she would decease.

Translations

Translations of the word "decease" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falecimento

🇮🇳 मृत्यु

🇩🇪 Ableben

🇮🇩 kematian

🇺🇦 смерть

🇵🇱 śmierć

🇯🇵 死

🇫🇷 décès

🇪🇸 muerte

🇹🇷 ölüm

🇰🇷 사망

🇸🇦 وفاة

🇨🇿 úmrtí

🇸🇰 úmrtie

🇨🇳 去世

🇸🇮 smrt

🇮🇸 dauði

🇰🇿 қайтыс болу

🇬🇪 მკვდარი

🇦🇿 ölüm

🇲🇽 muerte

Etymology

The word 'decease' originates from the Old French term 'decés', derived from the Latin 'decedere', which means 'to depart' or 'to go away'. The prefix 'de-' implies a sense of removal, while 'cedere' means 'to yield or give way'. The evolution of the word reflects a transition from a literal sense of physical departure to its more abstract connotation of death. This term has been used in English since the 14th century and maintains a formal tone, often seen in legal writing, medical contexts, and obituaries. Its usage underscores the gravity of death and the respect afforded to those who have passed away.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,453, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.