Lethality

Lethality refers to the degree to which something is capable of causing death or severe harm. It's a measure of the potential for a substance, weapon, disease, or situation to be fatal. This concept is often used in fields like medicine, toxicology, criminology, military science, and epidemiology to assess risk, understand the impact of various threats, and develop countermeasures. The lethality of a weapon, for instance, is a crucial factor in its design and use, while the lethality of a disease dictates the severity of an outbreak.

Lethality meaning with examples

• The scientists were alarmed by the unprecedented lethality of the newly discovered virus. It rapidly caused organ failure, making it a major public health concern. Its high lethality necessitated immediate quarantine procedures. The research was expedited to find effective treatments and prevent a global pandemic with the lethality so high.
• Military strategists meticulously analyze the lethality of enemy weapons systems. They consider factors like range, accuracy, and the destructive power of the warheads to gain strategic advantages. Understanding the lethality helps to inform tactical decisions and assess potential battlefield casualties, so the lethality of everything must be checked.
• The rapid spread and increased lethality of the novel strain of influenza shocked medical experts. Its ability to quickly overcome the body's defenses led to a surge in hospitalizations and fatalities. Scientists worked tirelessly to develop a more effective vaccine to combat the influenza's deadly lethality.
• The criminal's preferred method involved a high-lethality poison. Detectives focused on evidence that would reveal the origin and method. The trial focused heavily on proving the lethality of the substances used. The judge wanted to ensure the severity of the crime was understood and noted the lethality.