adj.
Pronunciation: ' l ē -th ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin letalis, lethalis, from letum death
Date: circa 1604
1 a : of, relating to, or causing death <death by lethal injection> b : capable of causing death < lethal chemicals>
2 : gravely damaging or destructive : DEVASTATING <a lethal attack on his reputation>
3 : very potent or effective <a lethal fastball> also : having a high alcohol content <a lethal rum punch>
synonyms see DEADLY
– le · thal · i · ty \ l ē - ' tha-l ə -t ē \ noun
– le · thal · ly \ ' l ē -th ə -l ē \ adverb