drop-dead

[ drop-ded ]
/ ˈdrɒpˌdɛd /

adjective

inspiring awe, astonishment, or envy: a drop-dead guest list; a drop-dead sable coat.
being the most extreme limit or possibility: What's the drop-dead date for handing in term papers? That is our drop-dead offer.

Origin of drop-dead

First recorded in 1965–70

Definition for drop dead (2 of 2)

Origin of drop

before 1000; (noun) Middle English drop(e) drop of liquid, Old English dropa; (v.) Middle English droppen, Old English droppian; akin to drip, droop

OTHER WORDS FROM drop

drop·like, adjective un·dropped, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for drop dead (1 of 2)

drop-dead

adverb

informal outstandingly or exceptionally drop-dead gorgeous

British Dictionary definitions for drop dead (2 of 2)

drop
/ (drɒp) /

noun

verb drops, dropping or dropped

noun, verb

rugby short for drop kick or drop-kick

Word Origin for drop

Old English dropian; related to Old High German triofan to drip

Medical definitions for drop dead

drop
[ drŏp ]

n.

The smallest quantity of liquid heavy enough to fall in a spherical mass.
A volume of liquid equal to 176 of a teaspoon and regarded as a unit of dosage for medication.
A small globular piece of candy, usually readily dissolved in the mouth.

v.

To fall, be dispensed, or poured in drops.

Idioms and Phrases with drop dead (1 of 2)

drop dead

An expression of anger, rejection, or indignation toward someone. For example, I should do all that work for you? Drop dead! This rude imperative is usually hyperbolic, that is, the speaker is not literally asking someone to die on the spot. [c. 1930] Curiously, the adjective (and adverb) drop-dead is not at all insulting. Rather, it means “dazzling” or “awe-inspiring,” as in She wore a drop-dead outfit that all the other women admired. This usage originated in slangy journalism in the 1960s.

Idioms and Phrases with drop dead (2 of 2)

drop