fatal

fa-tal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Causing death.

  2. 2.

    Leading to failure or disaster; having extremely harmful consequences.

  3. 3.

    Relating to or determining fate or destiny.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fatal flaw — A defect that leads to destruction or failure
  • •
    fatal attraction — An irresistible but dangerous appeal
  • •
    fatal error — A mistake that causes complete failure (especially in computing)

Related words

Antonyms: harmless, nonfatal, survivable
See also: deadly, fate, lethal
Synonyms: deadly, lethal, mortal, terminal

Etymology

From Latin fatalis ("of fate, destined"), from fatum ("fate, destiny, prophecy"). Entered English in the 14th century with the sense of "decreed by fate."