Plague - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A plague is a deadly, widespread disease, often causing high mortality. It can also refer to a persistent nuisance or problem that affects many people or things.
Definition:
A contagious disease causing widespread mortality, or a persistent annoyance.
Synonyms:
epidemic, pestilence, scourge, infestation
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
blessing, boon
Common Collocations:
bubonic plague, plague of locusts, plague a community
Derivatives:
plagued, plaguing
Usage Tips:
Use "plague" as a noun for diseases or nuisances; as a verb meaning to harass persistently.
Common Phrases:
avoid like the plague, plague of locusts, plague one's mind
Etymology:
From Latin *plaga* (blow, wound), via Old French *plage* (affliction).
Examples:
- 1. The plague devastated Europe in the 14th century.
- 2. Locusts plagued the farmers' crops all summer.
- 3. Her constant questions began to plague him.
- 4. The city faced a plague of rats last year.