Mortal

/ˈmɔːrtəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A human being.

As a mortal, she was subject to the laws of nature and the passage of time.

A mortal being, especially as distinguished from a divine being.

The legend spoke of a mortal who could challenge the gods themselves.

adjective

Subject to death; having a transitory life.

Even the mightiest heroes are mortal and face the inevitability of death.

Of or relating to human beings as opposed to divine beings.

The mortal realm is filled with struggles and joys that the gods do not experience.

Causing death; fatal.

The disease was so virulent that it posed a mortal threat to the entire population.

From Old French 'mortal', from Latin 'mortalis', from 'mors', meaning 'death'.

mortal coil

The troubles and difficulties of life.

mortal sin

A grave sin that leads to a complete separation from God.

mortal enemy

A deadly or fierce adversary.

mortality

The state of being subject to death.

mortalize

To make mortal or subject to death.

mortuary

A place where dead bodies are prepared for burial.

Used to emphasize seriousness or gravity, as in 'mortal danger'.

He's in mortal trouble after that mistake.

Describing something as very intense, like 'mortal combat'.

The two teams went into mortal combat on the field.