perish
verb (used without object)
to die or be destroyed through violence, privation, etc..
have perished
-
present perfectof perish.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Notably, neither scavengers nor flies that fed on the supposedly poisoned carcasses have perished -- creatures that typically succumb after consuming poisoned animals.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
A helpful map of the globe points out notoriously treacherous waters, including those off the southern tip of South America, where countless sailors have perished in the turbulent seas around Cape Horn.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
An estimated 20% of the world’s mature giant sequoias have perished in the last decade due to severe wildfires, according to the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2025
Hundreds of millions of farmed salmon have perished in mass die-offs over the past decade, say researchers.
From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2024
We will dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work of those who have perished here.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
