1.
instant death, dying instantly
Death that occurs immediately, without any interval of survival. Used in news reports about accidents, in medical contexts, and in gaming.
運転手は即死だった。
The driver died instantly.
事故の衝撃で即死した。
He died instantly from the impact of the accident.
この攻撃を受けると即死するので注意してください。
Be careful, because this attack will kill you instantly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 即死する (die instantly)
- 即死だった (was dead on the spot)
- 即死攻撃 (one-hit kill attack — gaming)
USAGE NOTES:
Frequently appears in news reports about traffic accidents and disasters. In gaming contexts, 即死 refers to attacks or traps that kill a character in one hit regardless of remaining health. The noun form is often used as a predicate with だった: 即死だった (was an instant death / died on the spot).