Definition

More likely to cause death or serious harm than something else.

Example

The new virus is deadlier than the previous strain.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new movie?

Yeah, I heard it's even deadlier than the last one.

I can't believe they keep making them more intense.

Right? It just adds to the thrill of watching.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deadlier → It is formed from "dead" (from Old English "dead", meaning no longer alive) and the suffix "-lier" (a comparative suffix indicating more). The word "deadlier" means more deadly or causing more death than something else.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'more dead' — 'dead' means no longer alive, and '-lier' shows a comparison, so deadlier means it causes more death.

Visually Confused Words