def dead_state(height, width):
    """
    Construct a dead state with all cells set to DEAD.

    :arg height: The height of the state, in cells.
    :arg width: The width of the state, in cells.

    :returns: A state of dimensions height x width, with all cells set
        to DEAD.
    """

    return [[0 for _ in range(width)] for _ in range(height)]