LIFE-AND-DEATH

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does life-and-death mean? 

• LIFE-AND-DEATH (adjective)
  The adjective LIFE-AND-DEATH has 1 sense:

1. vitally important

  Familiarity information: LIFE-AND-DEATH used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LIFE-AND-DEATH (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Vitally important

Synonyms:

life-and-death; life-or-death

Context example:

a life-and-death struggle

Similar:

crucial; important (of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis)

 Context examples 

He kept François busy, for the dog-driver was in constant apprehension of the life-and-death struggle between the two which he knew must take place sooner or later; and on more than one night the sounds of quarrelling and strife among the other dogs turned him out of his sleeping robe, fearful that Buck and Spitz were at it.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)