Blight

/blaɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A plant disease, especially one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts.

The potato blight devastated the crops, leading to a severe food shortage.

A deteriorated condition, especially in an urban area, characterized by neglect and decay.

The old factory stood as a reminder of the blight that had affected the once-thriving neighborhood.

verb

To cause to suffer from blight; to impair or destroy the growth of.

The sudden frost blighted the flowers in the garden, ruining their chances of blooming.

To have a detrimental effect on; to spoil or ruin.

Corruption can blight the hopes of an entire nation for a brighter future.

Middle English, from Old English 'blīcan' meaning 'to wither or decay.'

blight on society

Something that has a damaging or harmful effect on society.

city blight

Urban decay characterized by abandoned buildings and infrastructure.

blight your prospects

To adversely affect someone's future opportunities.

blighted

Affected by blight; damaged or destroyed.

blighting

The process of causing something to deteriorate or suffer.

blighter

A person or thing that blights or causes deterioration.

A negative influence on someone's life.

His old habits were a blight on his future.

Something undesirable that affects a situation.

The party was going great until that blight showed up.