Lethal
ˈliːθəl
Definitions
Capable of causing death; deadly.
ˈliːθəl
Causing or able to cause death.
The poison was lethal, and he died shortly after drinking it.
💡 Simply: Something is lethal if it can kill you. Imagine a super-spicy pepper that's so hot it could make you really sick. That's almost lethal! Or, think about a poison – definitely lethal!
👶 For kids: If something is lethal, it means it can cause someone to die.
More Examples
The accident involved a lethal combination of speed and alcohol.
The disease proved to be lethal to the elderly population.
How It's Used
"The venom of the cobra is lethal."
"The new weapon possesses lethal capabilities."
"Toxic pollution can have lethal consequences for wildlife."
From Latin *lethalis*, meaning 'deadly', derived from *letum*, meaning 'death'.
The word 'lethal' has been used since the 16th century, evolving from its Latin root to describe anything causing death or destruction.