fatal

fa·tal

adj \ˈfā-t^əl\

Definition of FATAL

1

obsolete : fated

2

: fateful <a fatal hour>

3

a : of or relating to fate b : resembling fate in proceeding according to a fixed sequence c : determining one's fate

4

a : causing death b : bringing ruin <a fatal attraction to gambling> c : causing failure <a fatal design flaw>

Examples of FATAL

1. a disease that is often fatal
2. a chemical that can be fatal to birds
3. She made a fatal mistake.

Origin of FATAL

Middle English, from Latin fatalis, from fatum fate

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FATAL

Synonyms: calamitous, cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), catastrophic, damning, destructive, disastrous, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate

Antonyms: healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, wholesome

Related Words: apocalyptic (also apocalyptical); hapless, ill-fated, ill-starred, luckless; adverse, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial

Near Antonyms: fluky (also flukey), fortuitous, fortunate, happy, lucky, providential; auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, hopeful, optimistic, promising, propitious, rose-colored, rosy, upbeat

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at deadly

Rhymes with FATAL

natal