Definition

The most harmful or causing the most death.

Example

The deadliest disease in history has claimed millions of lives.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear that the new video game has the deadliest boss character ever?

Really? I've heard it's super challenging but fun.

Yeah, people are saying it's way more difficult than the last one.

I guess that makes it exciting, but I’m a bit nervous to try it!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deadliest → It is formed from "dead" (from Old English "dead", meaning no longer alive) and the suffix "-liest" (a superlative suffix indicating the highest degree). The word "deadliest" means the most lethal or causing the most death.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dead' meaning no longer alive, and '-liest' indicating the highest degree — so 'deadliest' refers to something that causes the most death.

Visually Confused Words