Definition of DEMISE (original) (raw)

1

c

: a loss of position or status

2

: the conveyance of an estate

Synonyms

Examples of demise in a Sentence

Noun

… invited visitors to play a game in which points are awarded to those who predict the demise of yet another overhyped dot-com. —Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 14 Sept. 2000 This elegant little book is essential reading for anyone interested in the demise, the terminal silliness, of our culture. —John Irving, New York Times Book Review, 6 Apr. 1997 Like books, board games appear headed for imminent demise at the hands of cathode-ray terminals. —Will Manley, Booklist, 1 Mar. 1995

She had no property at the time of her demise. The musician met an untimely demise. We have not had truly local news coverage since the town newspaper's demise three years ago. Losing this game will mean the team's demise. Verb

our much beloved, recently demised leader

Recent Examples on the Web

The rise of pink-slime journalism can be almost directly tied to the demise of local newspapers in recent years. —Justin Klawans, theweek, 26 June 2024 Episode 202’s climax is the reunion, battle, and demise of knights Arryk (Luke Tittensor) and Erryk (Elliot Tittensor) Cargyll. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 23 June 2024

Even the reports of the Suns’ demise that the Mavs created may be premature. —Dallas News, 31 May 2022 The full ramifications of FTX’s insolvency and demise remain unclear, but many investors who had stored cryptocurrency on the exchange stand to lose a great deal. —Mia Taylor, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for demise

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English dimise, from Anglo-French demise, feminine of demis, past participle of demettre to dismiss, from Latin demittere to send down, from de- + mittere to send

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of demise was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near demise

Cite this Entry

“Demise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demise. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on demise

Last Updated: 30 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Merriam-Webster unabridged