Life-or-death

Alternative forms

• life or death

Full definition of life-or-death

Adjective

1. Of critical importance to the survival of a living organism.Good camoflouge is life-of-death for many animals in the wild.
2. Having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous.Ascending Mount Everest can be life-or-death for an inexperienced climber.
3. (idiomatic) Of critical importance to the success of a particular endeavor.Obtaining financing was a life-or-death matter for the research.