Lethality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lethality
[ləˈθælɪti ]
Definitions
in medicine
The ability of a disease or injury to cause death. Lethality is often measured by mortality rate.
Synonyms
deadliness, deadly nature, fatality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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lethality |
Typically used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the potential to cause death.
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deadliness |
Often used in general contexts to describe how dangerous something is.
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fatality |
Commonly used to refer to deaths resulting from specific events, particularly in news reports or statistics.
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deadly nature |
Usually employed to emphasize the inherent dangerous characteristics of something, often in descriptive or narrative contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The lethality of the virus was a major concern for public health officials.
- The lethality of the snake's venom is well-known in the region.
in warfare
The capacity of a weapon or a military operation to cause death among the enemy forces.
Synonyms
deadliness, fatalness, kill power.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
lethality |
Often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe the degree to which something can cause death. This term is technical and clinical in nature.
|
deadliness |
Used in everyday language to describe how dangerous something is, often emphasizing high risk or severe consequences. It can be applied to diseases, weapons, or situations.
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fatalness |
Less commonly used, often appearing in legal or formal contexts. It indicates the quality of being fatal or leading to death. It may sound somewhat old-fashioned or formal.
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kill power |
Informal and often used in military or gaming contexts. This term usually refers to the effectiveness of a weapon or action in causing death.
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Examples of usage
- The lethality of the new missile system is unmatched in modern warfare.
- The increased lethality of the army's tactics caught the enemy off guard.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, lethality can refer to a trait that causes an organism to not survive or reproduce.
- Toxicology studies the lethality of substances, helping to determine the safe levels of exposure to chemicals and poisons.
Military History
- Historically, lethality has been a key focus in the development of weapons, aiming to increase effectiveness in combat.
- During World War II, advancements in air and ground weapons significantly increased the lethality of military engagements.
Psychology
- Research in psychology often explores how the perception of lethality influences human behavior, such as risk-taking or avoidance.
- Studies show that individuals' fear of lethality can affect their decision-making and mental health.
Pop Culture
- In action films and video games, lethal characters or weapons are often glorified, portraying high levels of danger and excitement.
- The memorable phrase 'lethal weapon' has become synonymous with tough cop or action hero, influencing many film plots.
Origin of 'lethality'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin ' lethalis', which means 'deadly' or 'fatal'.
- It combines the root 'lethe', referring to forgetfulness or oblivion, with the suffix '-ity', indicating a state or quality.
The word 'lethality' originated from the Latin word 'letalis', meaning deadly or fatal. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, reflecting the concept of something having the potential to cause death. Over time, 'lethality' has become particularly associated with fields such as medicine, warfare, and toxicology, where the ability to cause harm or death is a key consideration.
See also: lethally.