wrongful death

noun

: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another

Examples of wrongful death in a Sentence

She filed a wrongful death suit against the hospital, alleging that its negligence led to her daughter's death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One family was awarded $779 million in a wrongful death settlement; more than $600 million was awarded in another personal injury settlement for residents of Flint, Michigan. — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Fatherley’s defense will keep an eye out for an appeal and prepare to defend against that, Spies said, noting that the deputy is also facing a civil wrongful death case that another attorney is representing him in. — Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 According to a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by Lindsay's ex-husband Patrick Clancy, the 36-year-old is paralyzed below the sternum. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 That led, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Vista, to the death of Chelsea Adolphus, 28, from hypothermia after being found on the roof of the hospital during a cold spell in late January 2025. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongful death

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongful death was in 1952

Rhymes for wrongful death

See All Rhymes for wrongful death

Browse Nearby Words

wrongful birth
wrongful death
wronghead
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrongful death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful%20death. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

wrongful death

noun
: a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another
sought damages for the wrongful death of their murdered daughter
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