pestilence

[ pes-tl-uhns ]

noun

1. a deadly or virulent epidemic disease.
2. bubonic plague.
3. something that is considered harmful, destructive, or evil.

pestilence

/ 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

Other Words From

• anti·pesti·lence adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pestilence¹

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 )