# death

/ˈdɛθ/ (US) · /dˈɛθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/death
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. end of life

noun · CEFR A2

the end of life for a living thing.

For teachers: the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.

- The family was very sad after the death of their old dog.
- The sudden death of the prime minister plunged the nation into a period of official mourning and political uncertainty.

### 2. the end of something

noun · CEFR B2

the complete end or failure of something, like a plan or a dream.

For teachers: the destruction, termination, or cessation of a non-biological entity or concept.

- The new law meant the death of many small family businesses.
- Critics argued that the rise of digital streaming services would signal the death of traditional cinema-going culture.

### 3. the Grim Reaper

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

a character in stories, often shown as a skeleton in a black cloak, who represents the end of life.

For teachers: the personification of the end of life, typically depicted as a cloaked skeleton carrying a scythe.

- In the old story, Death comes to the door wearing a long black hood.
- The artist chose to depict Death not as a terrifying monster, but as a weary traveller seeking rest.

### 4. spiritual lifelessness

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a feeling of having no hope, energy, or meaning in life.

For teachers: a state of spiritual or emotional void; a lack of vitality or purpose.

- He felt a kind of inner death after losing his lifelong passion.
- The poet explores the theme of spiritual death in a society obsessed with material wealth.

## Examples

- The death of the king saddened the whole country.
- Scientists are studying the causes of death in this specific population of whales to prevent further losses.
- The poet explores the theme of death not as a finality, but as a transition that gives meaning to the preceding years of life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.