Definition

A blow or event that causes death or destruction, often used metaphorically to describe something that ends hopes or plans.

Example

The sudden loss of funding dealt a deathblow to the project.

Conversation

Did you hear about that accident downtown?

Yeah, it was terrible; they say it dealt a deathblow to the local businesses.

Exactly, it's such a shame because they were doing so well before.

I know, it's hard to see the community suffer like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deathblow is formed from "death" (from Old English "deað", meaning the end of life) and "blow" (from Old English "blāwan", meaning to strike or hit). The term refers to a final strike that causes death or ends life.

Memory Tip

Think of 'death' as the end of life and 'blow' as a strike — a deathblow is a strike that ends life.

Visually Confused Words