death wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"death wish" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in a figurative sense to describe a seemingly reckless or suicidal desire or impulse, and to express an attitude of complete indifference towards the danger or risk involved in taking such an action. For example: Jimmy was so desperate for revenge that he had a death wish and would risk anything to get it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Truly, a death wish.

Independent

"Death Wish" rules.

The New York Times

Don't knock Death Wish.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a sort of death wish.

Independent

"I have a death wish.

The New York Times - Style

And then the death wish.

The Guardian - Music

A symbol-laden death wish?

The New York Times - Arts

Some think Senna had a death wish.

The Guardian

Adam Goldberg's got a death wish.

The Guardian

He also made four "Death Wish" sequels.

The New York Times

Small children have a death wish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to critique a company's business strategy that appears to be leading them toward failure.

Common error

Avoid using "death wish" literally unless you are certain of someone's suicidal intentions. It's often a figurative expression for recklessness or self-sabotage, so be mindful of the potential misinterpretation and emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "death wish" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a desire, often subconscious, for death or self-destruction. It often implies reckless behavior or a disregard for one's own safety, as seen in examples where someone is described as having a "death wish" due to their dangerous actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "death wish" is a commonly used noun phrase describing a reckless disregard for one's own safety or a subconscious desire for death. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media. It serves to express concern, disbelief, or criticism of someone's dangerous behavior. When using "death wish", be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and emotional impact, as it can be a sensitive topic. Ludwig's examples show its broad applicability, and the related phrases offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suicidal impulse

Highlights the potential for ending one's own life.

self-destructive urge

Focuses on the internal impulse rather than the external manifestation.

kamikaze attitude

Implies a willingness to sacrifice oneself for a cause.

courting disaster

Emphasizes the deliberate pursuit of a catastrophic event.

reckless abandon

Emphasizes the lack of caution and disregard for consequences.

tempting fate

Highlights the act of provoking a negative outcome.

self-harming behavior

Draws attention to actions that intentionally cause injury.

gravitating toward danger

Focuses on the tendency to be drawn towards risky situations.

fatal attraction

Suggests a dangerous allure that leads to destruction.

edge walking

Conveys the idea of flirting with danger or pushing boundaries.

FAQs

How can "death wish" be used in a sentence?

You can use "death wish" to describe someone engaging in extremely risky behavior, such as "Driving that fast on a winding road is practically a death wish".

What are some alternatives to "death wish"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "death wish" include "self-destructive urge", "suicidal impulse", or "reckless abandon".

When is it appropriate to use the term "death wish"?

"Death wish" is appropriate when describing behavior that seems intentionally dangerous or self-sabotaging, but it should be used with sensitivity, especially when discussing mental health.

Is "death wish" always related to suicide?

No, "death wish" doesn't always imply suicide. It often describes a disregard for personal safety or well-being that could lead to serious harm or death, without a direct intention to end one's life.