dead city; ghost town
Refers to a city or town that has been abandoned, destroyed, or feels lifeless. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
After the war, the town turned into a dead city.
The business district at night is just like a ghost town.
Standard kanji spelling for 'dead city' or 'ghost town'.
Compound of 死 (death) and 都 (capital/city). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a literary term to describe a city devoid of life.