Meaning & Definition of word "Pestilence"
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Pestilence
/ˈpɛstɪləns/
noun:
- 1. A fatal epidemic disease, especially one caused by a highly infectious agent.
- Example: The pestilence swept through the town, claiming the lives of many residents.
- 2. A destructive or evil influence or agent.
- Example: The war was a pestilence that left a scar on the nation for generations.
- 3. An outbreak of a plague or a disease.
- Example: Historians often refer to the Black Death as one of the most devastating pestilences in human history.
- 4. A contagious or infectious disease.
- Example: Authorities issued warnings about the pestilence that was spreading rapidly among the population.
Etymology
From Middle English pestilens, from Old French pestilence, from Latin pestilentia, from pestis.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pestilence and famine:
A phrase referring to the twin disasters that affect society.
the pestilence of wickedness:
Referring to pervasive evil in society.
Related Words
plague:
A severe epidemic disease, often with a high mortality rate.
virus:
A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
pandemic:
An epidemic that has spread across countries or continents.
Slang Meanings of pestilence
Meaning: A bothersome person or thing.
Example Sentence: He's such a pestilence in the office with all his complaints.
Meaning: An emotional or social problem causing distress.
Example Sentence: Their constant arguing became a pestilence in our friendship.