pestilence

[ˈpɛstɪləns]

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

Synonyms for pestilence

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'

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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.