Demise

dih-myz

/dɪˈmaɪz/

Noun (also used as a verb in formal/legal contexts)

Meaning

  • The death or end of the life of a person (formal).
  • The end or failure of something, such as an institution, system, career, or idea.
  • (Legal) To transfer property or a title by lease or will.

Examples

  • The sudden demise of the CEO shocked the entire organization.
  • Many experts believe social media contributed to the demise of traditional newspapers.
  • The king’s demise marked the beginning of a new political era.
  • The property was demised to the tenant for a term of ten years.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Death Passing End Collapse Downfall Ruin Termination Ceasing Birth Rise Beginning Emergence Establishment Revival

Word Forms

  • Demise (noun)
  • Demised (verb, past form — legal)
  • Demising (verb, present participle — legal)

Origin / Etymology

From Old French “demise” meaning “dismissal, release, transfer.” Derived from the Latin “dimittere”, meaning “to send away, release, let go.” The meaning shifted over time to refer metaphorically to “the end of life.”

Grammar Information

  • As a noun, it is commonly used in formal and journalistic contexts.
  • As a verb, it is mainly used in legal or property-related language.
  • Usually appears in singular form when referring to death (“his demise”).

Translations

  • Hindi: मृत्यु, समाप्ति
  • Spanish: fallecimiento, desaparición
  • French: décès, disparition
  • German: Tod, Untergang
  • Italian: decesso, fine
  • Arabic: وفاة، زوال
  • Chinese (Simplified): 死亡，终止
  • Japanese: 死去、滅亡

Idioms & Phrases

  • “The demise of…” – a common phrase used to describe the downfall or end of something. Example: “The demise of the traditional classroom due to online education.”