Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Fatality: meaning, definitions and examples

💀
Add to dictionary

fatality

 

[fəˈtæləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

injuries

An occurrence of death by accident, in war, or from disease.

Synonyms

casualty, death, mortality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fatality

This term is used especially in reporting accidents, disasters, or when discussing statistics related to deaths. It often implies that the death was unexpected or due to an external cause.

  • The car crash resulted in three fatalities.
  • Emergency services are on the scene, and there are reports of multiple fatalities.
death

This is a general term and can be used in any situation where someone has died, regardless of the cause. It is neutral and more straightforward.

  • The death of the famous artist shocked fans around the world.
  • She could not come to terms with her grandmother's death.
casualty

This word is often used in the context of war, accidents, and disasters to describe someone who has been killed or injured. It can refer to both deaths and injuries.

  • The battlefield was covered with casualties.
  • The earthquake caused many casualties, with dozens injured and missing.
mortality

This word is often used in discussions about health, population statistics, and the study of death rates. It has a more formal and scientific tone.

  • Infant mortality rates have decreased significantly in recent years.
  • Researchers are studying the impact of diet on mortality.

Examples of usage

  • A road traffic accident with multiple fatalities.
  • The fatality rate from the disease has been steadily increasing.
  • The earthquake resulted in numerous fatalities.
  • The fatality of the crash shocked the local community.
  • Despite advancements in safety, workplace fatalities still occur.
Context #2 | Noun

video games

The finishing move in a fighting game that results in the opponent's death.

Synonyms

finishing move, kill move.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fatality

This word is often used to describe a death resulting from an accident, disaster, or certain types of intense situations. It focuses on the unfortunate outcome.

  • The car crash resulted in three fatalities.
  • The earthquake caused numerous fatalities in the region.
finishing move

This term is typically used in fighting or combat-related contexts, especially in video games or sports like wrestling, to describe a final, decisive action to defeat an opponent.

  • The wrestler used his signature finishing move to win the match.
  • In the game, you need to perform a finishing move to defeat the boss.
kill move

Similar to 'finishing move,' this term is also used in combat or gaming scenarios to denote a decisive and usually violent act to eliminate an opponent. It can carry a slightly more aggressive connotation.

  • The soldier executed a kill move to neutralize the threat.
  • In this level, you can unlock a special kill move to take down enemies more effectively.

Examples of usage

  • He executed the fatality move with precision.
  • The game features various brutal fatalities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fatalis,' meaning 'ordained by fate' or 'destined to happen.'
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, reflecting ideas about destiny and death.
  • In legal terms, it relates to unavoidable circumstances that lead to loss of life.

Pop Culture

  • The term is famously used in video games, especially fighting games like Mortal Kombat, where 'Fatality' is a finishing move that ends the game.
  • In movies, characters often refer to a 'fatality' when discussing life-threatening situations, emphasizing danger.
  • TV crime dramas frequently feature discussions of fatalities when reporting on accidents or violent events.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the news of a fatality can have a profound emotional impact on communities, often leading to collective grief.
  • People react differently to the news of fatalities based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.
  • Understanding the psychology behind fatality can help in developing grief counseling methods.

Statistics

  • Fatalities in traffic accidents have been significantly reduced due to improved safety regulations and vehicle technology.
  • In some regions, understanding fatality rates helps in urban planning and emergency response strategies.
  • Public health campaigns often aim to reduce fatalities through education on safety practices.

History

  • Historically, wars have led to countless fatalities; records often detail the severe human costs of conflicts.
  • Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis have resulted in significant fatalities throughout history, prompting changes in building codes.
  • Epidemic diseases like the Black Death resulted in massive fatalities, reshaping societies and economies.

Translations

Translations of the word "fatality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fatalidade

🇮🇳 मृत्यु

🇩🇪 Todesfall

🇮🇩 kematian

🇺🇦 фатальність

🇵🇱 śmiertelność

🇯🇵 死亡 (しぼう)

🇫🇷 fatalité

🇪🇸 fatalidad

🇹🇷 ölüm

🇰🇷 사망

🇸🇦 وفيات

🇨🇿 smrt

🇸🇰 smrť

🇨🇳 死亡

🇸🇮 smrtnost

🇮🇸 dauðsföll

🇰🇿 өлім

🇬🇪 სიკვდილი

🇦🇿 ölüm

🇲🇽 fatalidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,229, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.