The event or fact of dying; death, especially when used in formal or legal contexts.
From Old French deces and Latin decedere, meaning 'to depart' or 'to go away.' The word combines de- (away) and cedere (to go), originally suggesting a departure from life.
While 'death' is blunt and direct, 'decease' has a formal, respectful tone that was especially popular in legal documents and wills—it's the word you'd use when writing something that matters officially.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.