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.
The Love family responded by filing a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Mundelein and Brigano. — Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Brought by Koya’s estate and daughter Nathifa Wright, it’s being heard at Sacramento’s United States District Court and seeks damages for 17 claims, including false detention, excessive force and wrongful death. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Central to the Petito appeal is the argument that Utah's Constitution prohibits lawmakers from limiting or eliminating the right to recover for wrongful death. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 John Amos‘ daughter is suing her brother and people in his orbit over the death of their father for elder abuse and wrongful death. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Wrongful death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful%20death. Accessed 28 Oct. 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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