die a thousand deaths

Definitions

1. 1

   To die many times over (usually as preferred over some other undesirable action or…

   To die many times over (usually as preferred over some other undesirable action or occurrence).

   • Mor[timer] iu[nior]. Crie quittance Madam then, & loue not him. / Qu[een]. No, rather will I die a thousand deaths, / And yet I loue in vaine, heele nere loue me.
   • And I, most jocund, apt and willingly, / To do you rest, a thousand deaths would die.
   • [T]ruſt me, believe me, I will die a thouſand deaths ſooner than conſent to injure you, […]
2. 2

   To suffer repeatedly (often mentally rather than physically)

   To suffer repeatedly (often mentally rather than physically); to suffer extreme embarrassment or anxiety.

   • [S]ince I knovv no greater Pleaſure than the Love of you, I ſhould too vvillingly run the Riſque of any Diſadvantage that could happen by it. I die a thouſand Deaths every Hour, and ſtill revive, to die them over again: Adieu.

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