Want smb dead/alive

[Marina Gaidar]

Is it ok to say like that "They want him dead" or "They want him alive"?

[5jj]

Yes - in the appropriate contexts.

[Barb_D]

If I were writing a novel in which these things were said, my meaning for "They want him dead" means they want someone to kill him. His death is desired, not "him" in a dead state. That is, they don't have a use for his dead body -- just the knowledge that he's dead.

However, "They want him alive" would mean they want him in person, obviously alive.

[SoothingDave]

If someone is wanted "dead or alive" that means they are such a notorious criminal that the use of lethal force in apprehending them is approved.