death-bell

A priest rings the death-bell from the church tower.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bell rung to announce a death: "death-bell" refers to a bell that is tolled to signal that someone has died, often used in historical or literary contexts to indicate a funeral or passing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mournful sound of the death-bell echoed through the village, signaling the end of an era. (A bell rung to announce a death.)
  • In old novels, the death-bell is often associated with superstition and foreboding. (A bell used in cultural or literary traditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "to hear the death-bell": to experience or be aware of an omen of death or an ending.

  • When the old tree fell, it was as if the forest heard its own death-bell. (A metaphorical use suggesting an end or demise.)

• "death-bell tolls": the act of the bell ringing, often used poetically.

  • The death-bell tolls slowly for those who have passed. (The bell rings in a solemn rhythm.)

Variants and Related Words

• Death knell (n): a bell rung to announce a death; also used figuratively to mean the end of something.

  • The news of the company's bankruptcy was the death knell for its employees' hopes. (A sign of finality or doom.)

• Toll (v/n): to ring a bell slowly and repeatedly, especially for a death; the sound itself.

  • The church bells toll for the deceased. (They ring in a solemn manner.)

Synonyms

• Funeral bell: a bell rung during a funeral service.
• Knell: the sound of a bell, especially one rung for a death.

Related Idioms

• Toll the death-bell: to announce or signal an end.

  • The closing of the factory tolled the death-bell for the local community. (It marked the end of prosperity.)

• Death-bell sounds for someone: a poetic phrase meaning someone's death is imminent or announced.

  • The old sailor knew the death-bell sounded for him when he saw the storm clouds. (He sensed his approaching end.)