finishing blow; coup de grâce
Used literally for a killing stroke, and figuratively for a decisive final action that ends something. Most common in the phrase とどめを刺す.
See also: とどめを刺す
He dealt the finishing blow to his fallen opponent.
That one remark was the final blow to his career.
He delivered the finishing blow at the end and decided the match.
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 止め is rare and may be confused with other readings.
Kanji spelling is uncommon; learners should use the kana form.
Derived from the verb とどめる (to stop, to hold back), with the sense of stopping someone permanently. The exact historical development is uncertain.