"Doth to death" is a phrase found in Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. It is spelled as /dɒθ tu dɛθ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "doth," is the archaic third person present singular of the verb "do," meaning "does." The phrase means to put to death or kill. Shakespeare often used archaic spellings and language in his plays to reflect the time period he was writing in. Despite being an old-fashioned term, "doth to death" still carries a powerful message in modern times.
The phrase "doth to death" is derived from the archaic form of the verb "doth," which is the third-person singular present tense of "do" in Early Modern English. "To death" is used in addition to emphasize the intensity or thoroughness of the action carried out. Hence, "doth to death" is an idiomatic expression that implies causing extreme harm, ruin, or destruction, often resulting in the death of someone or something.
This phrase carries both figurative and literal connotations. Figuratively, "doth to death" describes the act of bringing about the demise or downfall of an idea, an organization, a plan, or a concept by inflicting irreparable damage upon it. It suggests a powerful force that overwhelms, annihilates, or ruins the subject, leaving no possibility of recovery or redemption. This expression highlights the severe impact and finality of the action taken.
In a literal sense, "doth to death" signifies causing the physical demise or fatal harm to a living being. It implies a relentless or vehement act, driven by a strong motive or determination, to eliminate someone or something entirely. This phrase is often used in the context of battles, conflicts, or acts of violence where one party triumphs over another, inflicting lethal harm.
Overall, "doth to death" characterizes a forceful action that results in the complete destruction, eradication, or demise of someone or something, whether in a figurative or literal sense.