to die, especially in a sudden violent way, to be destroyed, especially by fire, flood, or other natural disasters

let perish, perish the thought, perish in the attempt

Formal and Informal Expressions of perish

In different contexts, you can replace 'perish' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'expire, cease to exist' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'kick the bucket, bite the dust' is a commonplace synonym.

perish: Explore its Definition & Usage

perish Definition

1to die, especially in a sudden violent way
2to be destroyed, especially by fire, flood, or other natural disasters

Using perish: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Many people perished in the earthquake.
Example
The food will perish if it's not refrigerated.
Example
The ancient city was destroyed and perished under the sands of time.
Example
The company will perish if it doesn't adapt to the changing market.

perish Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for perish

die
expire
vanish
pass away
cease to exist

Antonyms for perish

Phrases with perish

let perish
to allow someone or something to die or be destroyed
Example
The government let the economy perish due to their poor policies.
perish the thought
used to say that you hope that something will never happen
Example
Perish the thought that we should ever have to live without electricity!
perish in the attempt
to die while trying to do something very difficult
Example
Many climbers have perished in the attempt to climb Mount Everest.

Origins of perish

from Old French 'perir', from Latin 'perire', meaning 'to go through, perish'

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Summary: perish in Brief

The verb 'perish' [ˈperɪʃ] means to die suddenly or violently, or to be destroyed by natural disasters. It can also refer to the decay or expiration of food. Examples include 'Many people perished in the earthquake,' and 'The food will perish if it's not refrigerated.' The phrase 'let perish' means to allow something to die or be destroyed, while 'perish the thought' is used to express the hope that something will never happen.