Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce lipid peroxidation, a process that plays a critical role in cell death mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. This review discusses the mechanisms by which ROS propagate lipid peroxidation chain reactions and how the products of lipid peroxidation initiate apoptosis and autophagy. It also explores the mechanism of lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis and summarizes the role of lipid peroxidation in pathological conditions such as critical illness. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how different ROS-induced lipid peroxidation contributes to cell death in a global and integrative manner.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce lipid peroxidation, a process that plays a critical role in cell death mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. This review discusses the mechanisms by which ROS propagate lipid peroxidation chain reactions and how the products of lipid peroxidation initiate apoptosis and autophagy. It also explores the mechanism of lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis and summarizes the role of lipid peroxidation in pathological conditions such as critical illness. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how different ROS-induced lipid peroxidation contributes to cell death in a global and integrative manner.