How to Say “Death” in Old English

By Erik Harrison • Updated October 3, 2026

dēað

The Old English word for death is dēað.

dēað is used to denote the cessation of life.

Meaning: cessation of life (noun)

Did you know?

In Old English poetry, instead of using the word dēað, poets often used 'kennings' like 'lifes-end' or 'world-departure' to avoid the bluntness of the term.
In early Old English law codes, the word dēað appeared in legal formulas regarding 'wergild', the price paid to a family after the death of a kinsman.

Examples in context

Dēað cymð ofer ealle menn.
Death comes over all men.

Example conversation

Two people discuss the cycle of life in a village.

Godric

Hwæt is dēað?
What is death?
Wulfrun

Hit is līfes ende, Godric.
It is the end of life, Godric.
Godric

Iċ eom sāriġ for þon.
I am sad because of that.
Wulfrun

Ne ondræd þū dēað, mīn frēond.
Do not fear death, my friend.

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About The Author

Erik Harrison

'Eow greetan geþyldiga Mannas,' I'm Erik, an ardent admirer of Old English. Within me, ondowersæcnesse sprouts from a fascination with history and a passion for linguistic quirks. I find solace in uncovering the tapestry of words 'from yesteryears and yonder.' You'll often find me jotting down phrases in this ancient tongue or indulging my love for historical fiction. My posts are hearty tributes to our language's forgotten strands - an endeavored celebration of the past met with the present. 'Þæs ofereode,' come and join me on a journey through the words that once were.

Erik HarrisonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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