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 Word Forms

• antipestilence 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. )

Example Sentences

He is the master of pestilence and disease; famine.

Read more on Salon

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

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

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

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From the Middle Ages on, Paris’ early underground waste channels were a wellspring of public fascination — and a source of pestilence, criminality and existential dread.

Read more on Los Angeles Times