Intense, fierce, and emotionally striking; often used about battles, struggles, or dramatic final moments (e.g., a fierce battle, a heroic death).
彼は壮絶な戦いの末に勝利をつかんだ。
After a fierce/epic battle, he seized victory.
映画のラストは壮絶で涙が止まらなかった。
The film's ending was powerful and I couldn't stop crying.
彼女は病気と壮絶に闘ったが、最後は静かに息を引き取った。
She fought the illness fiercely, but in the end she passed away peacefully.