How to Pronounce "leave for dead"
expression
ˈɫiv/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈdɛd
LEEV-for-DED or LEEV-fer-DED
lˈiːv/ /fˈɔː/ /dˈɛd
LEEV-for-DED
Definition
To abandon someone (or something), believing they will not survive or recover. Also used figuratively if someone is given no support, as if they cannot succeed.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫiv/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈdɛd
British English
lˈiːv/ /fˈɔː/ /dˈɛd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LEEV-for-DED or LEEV-fer-DED
UK
LEEV-for-DED
Listen in Context
They found the injured man, who had been left for dead after the accident.
The sailors were left for dead on the deserted island.
She felt left for dead when her friends stopped talking to her.
After the company downsized, many loyal workers felt left for dead by management.