life-threatening — causing or likely to cause death; extremely dangerous to life
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing or likely to cause death; extremely dangerous to life
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪf ˌθretənɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- His fear of vegetables was so severe that doctors considered it life-threatening malnutrition.
- The surgeon successfully treated the life-threatening head trauma.
- She claimed that running out of coffee was a life-threatening situation for her productivity.
life-threatening
ADJECTIVE[/ˈlaɪf ˌθretənɪŋ/]
causing or likely to cause death; extremely dangerous to life

The surgeon races against time to treat a life-threatening wound on the battlefield.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound word combines Old English 'lif' (life, living person) with 'threatening', derived from Old English 'thrætian' (to press, crowd, or threaten). The term evolved into modern medical terminology to describe conditions or situations that pose danger to human life.
Breakdown
life (Old English 'lif', meaning living existence) + threatening (present participle of 'threaten', from Old English 'thrætian', meaning to press or endanger).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His fear of vegetables was so severe that doctors considered it life-threatening malnutrition.”
“The surgeon successfully treated the life-threatening head trauma.”
“She claimed that running out of coffee was a life-threatening situation for her productivity.”
“The patient's life-threatening asthma attack required immediate intervention.”
📚Related Words
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