bloodless

[ bluhd-lis ]

adjective

1. without blood:

   bloodless surgery.

2. very pale:

   a bloodless face.

3. free from bloodshed; accomplished without bloodshed:

   a bloodless victory; a bloodless coup.

4. spiritless; without vigor, zest, or energy:

   a dull, insipid, bloodless young man.

5. without emotion or feeling; cold-hearted:

   bloodless data.

bloodless

/ ˈblʌdlɪs /

adjective

1. without blood
2. conducted without violence (esp in the phrase bloodless revolution )
3. anaemic-looking; pale
4. lacking vitality; lifeless
5. lacking in emotion; cold; unfeeling

Derived Forms

• ˈbloodlessness, noun
• ˈbloodlessly, adverb

Other Words From

• bloodless·ly adverb
• bloodless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodless¹

1175–1225; Middle English blodles, Old English blōdlēas. See blood, -less

Example Sentences

Between that and bloodless network procedurals, death transforms from a tragedy and a sin into a mystery or a puzzle.

From Salon

Indeed, these six justices’ extreme solicitude for Trump in last term’s appalling immunity decision stands in stark and alarming contrast with their bloodless, wordless dismissal of Williams’ final petition for relief.

From Slate

"They see cybercrime as a bloodless crime, with potentially lucrative financial rewards. This case needs to be given sufficient coverage to show these young people that sextortion can lead to loss of life and long prison sentences," he said.

From BBC

"Democracy" is a word that may sound soaring to political junkies, but feels bureaucratic and frankly bloodless to many others.

From Salon

As Trump's improving prospects for a second term in office sent Republicans giddy, his allies' statements took on a bolder tone, with Roberts boasting that they were "in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be."

From Salon

Related Words

• unemotional