Stench

/stɛntʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A strong, unpleasant smell.

The stench of rotten eggs filled the entire kitchen.

A foul odor or scent.

After the flood, the stench of decaying fish was unbearable near the shore.

A strong offensive smell, often associated with decay or waste.

The stench coming from the garbage dump was enough to drive people away.

A general state of being repulsive or unpleasant.

The stench of corruption in the organization was evident to everyone involved.

Middle English 'stenche', from Old English 'astencan' means 'to stink'.

smell a stench

To detect an unpleasant odor.

stench of corruption

A figurative phrase indicating dishonesty or unethical behavior.

stenchy

Having a strong, unpleasant odor.

stenchiness

The quality of having a stench.

A strong unpleasant smell, often used informally.

That gym has such a stench after a game.

A bad reputation or a figurative stench associated with someone or something.

After the scandal, his career had a real stench.