pestilence Definition
- 1a fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague
- 2a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating
Using pestilence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pestilence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pestilence killed millions of people in the Middle Ages.
Example
The town was ravaged by pestilence.
Example
The pestilence spread rapidly through the crowded city.
Example
The government declared a state of emergency due to the pestilence outbreak.
pestilence Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pestilence
the bubonic plague, a deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis
Example
The black pestilence killed millions of people in Europe during the 14th century.
a spiritual or moral affliction that causes harm or destruction
Example
Greed and envy are considered to be pestilences of the soul.
a figurative term for a looming or impending disaster or calamity
Example
The threat of war hung over the country like a pestilence cloud.
Origins of pestilence
from Latin 'pestilentia', meaning 'plague'
Summary: pestilence in Brief
The term 'pestilence' [ˈpɛstɪləns] refers to a fatal and virulent epidemic disease, such as the bubonic plague. It can also denote a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is devastating. Examples include 'The pestilence killed millions of people in the Middle Ages.' and 'The government declared a state of emergency due to the pestilence outbreak.' The phrase 'pestilence of the soul' refers to a spiritual or moral affliction that causes harm or destruction.