dead or alive

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  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.

Word forms

dead or alive

Etymology

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

Related words

Derived words

wanted dead or alive
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