death

The end of a person's, animal's, or other living thing's life.

• His death made us sad.
• The accident caused three deaths.
• What was the cause of death?

How to use it: the death of someone/something (The death of the tree changed the garden.)

Opposites: birth

Common phrases: sudden death, cause of death, death of someone, early death

The condition of no longer being alive.

• Her face was peaceful in death.
• They believed in life after death.
• Even in death, the brothers remained together.

Opposites: life

Common phrases: in death, after death, beyond death

Killing someone as a legal punishment for a crime.

• The judge sentenced him to death.
• The country abolished the death penalty.
• Several prisoners were put to death that year.

How to use it: sentence someone to death (The court sentenced the prisoner to death.); put someone to death (The king ordered the traitor put to death.)

Similar words: execution

Common phrases: sentenced to death, death penalty, put to death

An imaginary figure, often wearing a hood and carrying a curved blade, who takes people when they die.

• Death stood beside the bed.
• The painter showed Death carrying a scythe.
• In the story, Death speaks to a young soldier.

Similar words: Grim Reaper

Common phrases: Death appeared, Death came, Death himself