stench

[ stench ]

noun

1. an offensive smell or odor; stink.
2. a foul quality.

stench

/ stɛntʃ /

noun

1. a strong and extremely offensive odour; stink

Other Words From

• stenchful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stench¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English stenc “odor (good or bad)”; akin to stink

Word History and Origins

Origin of stench¹

Old English stenc; related to Old Saxon, Old High German stank; see stink

Synonym Study

See odor.

Example Sentences

"The stench of decomposing bodies has left the volunteers traumatised," he said.

From BBC

One bus passenger, Scott, 29, said he had stopped taking his children inside the bus station because of the "horrible" stench.

From BBC

In comparison to sea lions dying, the temporary stench is a small price to pay for the latest bloom, which dazzled beachgoers and nighttime surfers with its electric glow.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps it's useful to turn to a text Mike Johnson undoubtedly knows well, and consider what it has to say about the relationship between truth and dishonor: “The righteous hate what is false,” Proverbs 13:5 tells us, “but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”

From Salon

When Dr Elawa returned after the second Israeli raid there was an overpowering stench of death from several mass graves.

From BBC

Related Words

• smell
• stink