deathbed

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See also: death-bed and death bed

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English dethbed, from Old English dēaþbedd (“deathbed; grave”), equivalent to death +‎ bed. Cognate with Swedish dödsbädd (“deathbed”). Compare also Dutch sterfbed (“deathbed”), German Sterbebett and Totenbett (both “deathbed”), Danish dødsleje (“deathbed”).

Pronunciation

Noun

deathbed (plural deathbeds)

  1. The bed on which someone dies.
    • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 254:
      He was once on his way to an old woman, who was on her death-bed and who had led a wicked life.
  2. The last hours before death.

Usage notes

All three forms deathbed, death-bed, death bed are in use but deathbed seems to be preferred.

Derived terms

Translations

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