life-or-death

[ lahyf-er-deth ]

/ ˈlaɪf ərˈdɛθ /

Origin of life-or-death

First recorded in 1680–90

A fascinating book reveals the life-or-death rush of base jumping.

The High-Flying Secrets of BASE Jumpers |William O’Connor |August 4, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The fussy legal language complicates what is sometimes a life-or-death situation.

When Pro-Life Means Death |Kitty Holland |November 16, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
The crews of those boats would have to make the life-or-death decision themselves about how much time is “sufficient.”

Earthquake Shakes the Philippines |Christopher Dickey |August 31, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Constantino-Diaz Duran reports on the eerie similarities—and the life-or-death differences.

A New Mining Nightmare |Constantino Diaz-Duran |November 19, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

What McEvoy uncovers is not just a big story, but a life-or-death situation involving an especially devious serial killer.

5 Hot Summer Thrillers |David J. Montgomery |June 4, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Kenniston, unable to turn from the life-or-death business of threading the swarm, heard the Jovian fighting furiously.

The World with a Thousand Moons |Edmond Hamilton
This is a life-or-death proposition, with lasting-time the most important factor.

The Planet Strappers |Raymond Zinke Gallun
It was a punishment that satisfied both sides of the life-or-death argument.

The Penal Cluster |Ivar Jorgensen (AKA Randall Garrett)
It was a life-or-death struggle with the elements--English courage and brawn pitted against the combined action of wind and sea.

The Quest of the 'Golden Hope' |Percy F. Westerman
In a life-or-death matter such as now confronts us regarding the wild life of our country, it is time to speak plainly.

Our Vanishing Wild Life |William T. Hornaday