mortals

7 definitions • 10 examples

(of living things, especially people) unable to continue living for ever; having to die:

For all men are mortal.

causing death:

a mortal injury/illness

men engaged in mortal combat (= fighting until one of them dies)

figurative New computing technology dealt a mortal blow to the printing companies.

extreme anxiety about or fear of someone or something:

We live in mortal dread of further attacks.

a very serious and dangerous enemy, danger, threat, etc.:

The former allies who fought together against the dictator have, in recent years, become mortal enemies.

an ordinary person, rather than a god or a special, important, or powerful person:

The police officers guarding the door let in the celebrities, but they prevented us lesser/mere mortals from going inside.

(of living things, esp. people) unable to continue living forever; having to die:

Humans are mortal and we all eventually die.

As the ship began to sink, they realized they were in mortal danger (= they might die).

a human, or an ordinary person:

mere mortals