Pronunciation: [dˈɛθla͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The word "deathlike" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end. It is pronounced as /dɛθ-laɪk/. The "th" sound is represented by the "th" digraph, which is common in English. The vowel sound in the first syllable is the "short e" sound, and the second syllable has the "long i" sound. The word means resembling or suggesting death. It is commonly used to describe a state of lifelessness or a chilling atmosphere.
Deathlike (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of death; having the appearance, qualities or attributes associated with death.
The term "deathlike" pertains to something that bears a striking resemblance to death or exhibits features typically associated with it. It describes a state or quality of being that mirrors the stillness, lifelessness, and ominous aura that surround the concept of death itself. Often used to evoke a sense of dread, this adjective conveys a vivid image of lifelessness and absence of vital signs.
In a physical sense, "deathlike" can refer to an individual's appearance during a state of deep unconsciousness, as projected by its pale or cold characteristics. This can also encompass a person's lack of responsiveness or absence of movement, further intensifying the impression of death. Additionally, the term may describe inanimate objects or environments that are eerily silent, somber, or devoid of life, simulating a mortuary atmosphere.
Beyond the physical realm, "deathlike" can encompass emotions, demeanors, or qualities attributed to death. For example, a deathlike silence characterizes an unsettling stillness that prevails in a particular space or during an intense moment. An individual may experience deathlike fear or dread, which denotes an overwhelming sense of impending doom or the suffocating grip of anxiety.
Overall, "deathlike" encapsulates the visual, emotional, and sensory associations tied to the state of death, serving as a potent descriptor that evokes a myriad of somber, chilling, or alarming connotations.
Resembling death; very still.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "deathlike" originates from the combination of two separate words: "death" and "like".
The word "death" traces back to the Old English word "deað", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*dauthuz". This Proto-Germanic word stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dheu-" meaning "to die". Over time, "deað" transformed into "death" in Middle English and has remained relatively unchanged in modern English.
The word "like" comes from the Old English word "gelic", which is related to the Old Norse word "likr" and the Gothic word "galeiks". All these words share the same Proto-Germanic root "*galikaz", meaning "like" or "similar".
Therefore, when combined, "deathlike" implies something that resembles or is similar to death in some way.
