deathblow

From death +‎ blow.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈdɛθbləʊ/

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deathblow (plural deathblows)

1. A strike or blow that leads to death, especially a coup de grace.
   • 1961, Norma Lorre Goodrich, “Beowulf”, in The Medieval Myths, New York: The New American Library, page 41:

     He was also there at that fight when Hygelac folded under his deathblow.

2. (figurative) Something that prevents the completion, or ends the existence, of a project etc.; a fatal setback.

   The opening of the bridge dealt a deathblow to the ferry.

• death blow

• (something that brings something to an end): another nail in one's coffin