deathblow
UK[ˈdɛθbləʊ]US[ˈdɛθbloʊ]
n
An action or event that causes the complete and final destruction or defeat of something.
Morpheme Breakdown
death
blow
death
end of life
blow
strike
Etymology
The word "deathblow" is a transparent English compound formed from two native Germanic roots. The first element, "death", originates from the Old English 'dēaþ', a concept central to the Germanic lexicon. The second element, "blow", derives from Old English 'blāwan', meaning "to strike". The compound's logic is entirely literal, combining the concept of a fatal ending with that of a forceful impact. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to signify any decisive action that conclusively ends a system, hope, or endeavor, moving from physical destruction to abstract termination.
Analysis
Structure: death (end of life) + blow (strike)
death: Old English 'dēaþ', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'dood' and German 'Tod'. Functions as a noun root meaning "the end of life".
blow: Old English 'blāwan', of Germanic origin; related to German 'blähen'. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning "a hard hit or strike".
Examples
The scandal dealt a deathblow to his political career.
The new invention was a deathblow to the traditional industry.
The final court ruling served as the deathblow to their hopes of an appeal.