| death rate |
the number of deaths per unit of time for a given area or group. |
| death rattle |
a gurgling or rattling sound that sometimes issues from a dying person who can no longer cough up mucus in the throat; rale. |
| death row |
a part of a prison where prisoners awaiting execution are housed. |
| death's-head |
a human skull, or portrayal thereof, esp. as a symbol of death. |
| death's head moth |
a large European hawk moth that has markings on its back resembling a human skull. |
| death squad |
a group, such as a firing squad or hired assassins, that carries out executions, esp. political ones. |
| death tax |
see "inheritance tax." |
| deathtrap |
a place or situation in which death could readily occur, such as an unsafe building. |
| death warrant |
an official authorization to carry out execution of a death sentence. [2 definitions] |
| deathwatch |
the act of waiting by or near the side of a dead or dying person. [3 definitions] |
| death wish |
a usu. unconscious desire for one's own or another's death. |
| deb |
(informal) a debutante. |
| debacle |
a sudden collapse into disaster; downfall. [3 definitions] |
| debar |
to shut out; exclude. [2 definitions] |
| debark1 |
to put or go ashore, as from a ship; disembark. |
| debark2 |
to take the bark off of (a log). |
| debase |
to reduce in value, quality, esteem, or character. |
| debatable |
open to debate or argument; doubtful. |
| debate |
a discussion of two opposing viewpoints, usu. in a formal meeting or assembly. [7 definitions] |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. [3 definitions] |
| debauchee |
one who excessively indulges in sensual pleasures. |