Meaning & Definition of word "Plague"

Plague

/pleɪɡ/

1. A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, often accompanied by the formation of buboes and sometimes causing death.
- Example: The plague returned to Europe in outbreaks that decimated the population during the Middle Ages.
2. Any serious disease that spreads rapidly and causes numerous deaths.
- Example: The influenza plague of 1918 infected a third of the world's population.
3. A widespread affliction or calamity.
- Example: The region suffered from a plague of locusts that destroyed crops and livestock.
4. A feeling of persistent annoyance or worry.
- Example: He was plagued by doubts about the viability of his business plan.

1. To trouble, torment, or annoy someone persistently.
- Example: She was plagued by memories of her childhood that she wished to forget.
2. To cause continuous suffering or distress.
- Example: The city was plagued by crime and poverty for many years.
3. To afflict with disease or calamity.
- Example: The community was plagued by a series of outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Middle English: from Old French 'plague', from Latin 'plaga' meaning 'blow' or 'stroke'.

the black plague:

A historical plague caused by Yersinia pestis, devastating Europe in the 14th century.

plague of locusts:

A large swarm of locusts that cause destruction to crops.

plagued with doubts:

To be filled with uncertainty or worry.

pestilence:

A fatal epidemic disease.

virus:

A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.

epidemic:

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease.

Meaning: A heavy burden or annoyance.

Example Sentence: This project is a real plague on my life right now.

Meaning: Something that spreads rapidly and negatively.

Example Sentence: His bad attitude was starting to plague the whole team.