pestilence

American  

[pes-tl-uhns] / ˈpɛs tl əns /

noun

1. a deadly or virulent epidemic disease.

2. bubonic plague.

3. something that is considered harmful, destructive, or evil.

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pestilence British  

/ ˈpɛstɪləns /

noun

1. 1. any epidemic outbreak of a deadly and highly infectious disease, such as the plague

   2. such a disease

2. an evil influence or idea

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Other Word Forms

• antipestilence adjective

Etymology

Origin of pestilence

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pestilentia, from pestilent-, stem of pestilēns “unhealthy, noxious” ( pestilent ) + -ia -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Every time she opens her mouth I swear a swarm of horseflies and pestilence are released to consume the countryside.

From Salon

He is the master of pestilence and disease; famine.

From Salon

The church had given the cause of the pestilence to be the "impropriety of the behaviour of men" and poulaines symbolised that behaviour.

From BBC

In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death.

From Los Angeles Times

I’d love to see Harris and the Democrats start saying they have to “Drain the Swamp!” of this slimy pestilence.

From Salon