dead or alive

English

Etymology

From usage in wanted posters in the 19th century American West and, especially in popular drama about the American West in that period.

Adjective

dead or alive (not comparable)

  1. Either dead or alive.
  2. Used to indicate someone is being sought for some kind of punishment or reprimand, and that (s)he may be killed in the process of finding, as if this was reasonable punishment.
    Wanted: dead or alive.

Derived terms

  • wanted dead or alive

Translations

See also

See also

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