Plague

/pleɪɡ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, often accompanied by the formation of buboes and sometimes causing death.

The plague returned to Europe in outbreaks that decimated the population during the Middle Ages.

Any serious disease that spreads rapidly and causes numerous deaths.

The influenza plague of 1918 infected a third of the world's population.

A widespread affliction or calamity.

The region suffered from a plague of locusts that destroyed crops and livestock.

A feeling of persistent annoyance or worry.

He was plagued by doubts about the viability of his business plan.

verb

To trouble, torment, or annoy someone persistently.

She was plagued by memories of her childhood that she wished to forget.

To cause continuous suffering or distress.

The city was plagued by crime and poverty for many years.

To afflict with disease or calamity.

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.

A heavy burden or annoyance.

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

Something that spreads rapidly and negatively.

His bad attitude was starting to plague the whole team.