Phrase guide

kiss of death

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Something that may seem good and favorable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • The role in the soap opera was the kiss of death for Ann's career as a theatrical actress.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

something that is ruinous

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • if this were known it would be the kiss of death for my political career

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: calamity, catastrophe, disaster, tragedy, cataclysm

History

Etymology

From the Biblical reference that when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, he kissed Jesus.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: baiser de la mort — Translations