Deadlines

/ˈdɛdˌlaɪnz/ noun

Definition

plural of deadline; time limits by which tasks must be completed

Etymology

Originally a line around a military prison beyond which prisoners would be shot (1860s), later generalized to any final time limit by early 20th century

Kelly Says

The word 'deadline' has a surprisingly dark origin - it literally meant a line that meant death if crossed in Civil War prisons!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.