demise

[ dih-mahyz ]

noun

1. death or decease.
2. termination of existence or operation:

   the demise of the empire.

3. Law.
   1. a death or decease occasioning the transfer of an estate.
   2. a conveyance or transfer of an estate.
4. Government. transfer of sovereignty, as by the death or deposition of the sovereign.

verb (used with object)

, de·mised, de·mis·ing.

1. Law. to transfer (an estate or the like) for a limited time; lease.
2. Government. to transfer (sovereignty), as by the death or abdication of the sovereign.

verb (used without object)

, de·mised, de·mis·ing.

1. Law. to pass by bequest, inheritance, or succession.

demise

/ dɪˈmaɪz /

noun

1. failure or termination

   the demise of one's hopes

2. a euphemistic or formal word for death
3. property law
   1. a transfer of an estate by lease
   2. the passing or transfer of an estate on the death of the owner
4. the immediate transfer of sovereignty to a successor upon the death, abdication, etc, of a ruler (esp in the phrase demise of the crown )

verb

1. to transfer or be transferred by inheritance, will, or succession
2. tr property law to transfer (an estate, etc) for a limited period; lease
3. tr to transfer (sovereignty, a title, etc) by or as if by the death, deposition, etc, of a ruler

Derived Forms

• deˈmisable, adjective

Other Words From

• de·misa·bili·ty noun
• de·misa·ble adjective
• nonde·mise noun
• unde·mised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demise¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English demise, dimis(s)e, from Old French demis, past participle of desmetre, from Latin dīmittere “to send away, dismiss”; dismiss

Word History and Origins

Origin of demise¹

C16: from Old French, feminine of demis dismissed, from demettre to send away, from Latin dīmittere; see dismiss

Example Sentences

Since the movie and musical open with the Munchkins stomping out a number that celebrates the Wicked Witch’s demise, this isn't blowing anything for you.

From Salon

He’s the one with the Oxford accent and amusing tales who hands around the port and cigars while he plots the hero’s demise.

From Los Angeles Times

Three suspects are facing charges for their alleged involvement in the pop star’s sudden demise.

From Los Angeles Times

Its potential demise when TNT lost the rights to the league became a major sports media story.

From Los Angeles Times

Just under 14 months ago Wales posted a record 40-6 World Cup win in Lyon that underlined Australia's demise under Eddie Jones.

From BBC

Related Words

• collapse
• departure
• dissolution
• downfall
• extinction
• failure
• passing
• termination