Definition

A bed where a person lies when they are dying or in their final moments of life.

Example

He spent his last days on his deathbed, surrounded by family.

Conversation

Did you hear about the old man at the hospital?

Yeah, I heard he was on his deathbed for a while.

It’s so sad to think about someone being on their deathbed alone.

I know, I hope he had someone with him in his last moments.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deathbed → It is formed from "death" (from Old English "deað", meaning the end of life) and "bed" (from Old English "bedd", meaning a place to lie down). The word "deathbed" refers to the bed where a person lies during their final moments of life.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bed' where someone lies down at the moment of 'death' — that's why 'deathbed' refers to the bed of someone who is dying.

Visually Confused Words