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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.

plague

/pleɪɡ/ /pleɪɡ/

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.

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