morbific

American  

[mawr-bif-ik] / mɔrˈbɪf ɪk /

Also morbifical

adjective

1. causing disease.

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morbific British  

/ mɔːˈbɪfɪk /

adjective

1. causing disease; pathogenic

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Other Word Forms

• morbifically adverb

Etymology

Origin of morbific

1645–55; < New Latin morbificus, equivalent to morb ( us ) sickness + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic

Example Sentences

In Kingston, Jamaica, for instance, British colonial officers tried to banish the disease by firing cannons through the streets “to destroy the morbific power that lurked in the dark alleys”.

From The Guardian • May 1, 2020

But impressibility does not imply disease, although it may make the system more accessible to slight morbific agencies.

From Buchanan's Journal of Man, January 1888 Volume 1, Number 12 by Buchanan, Joseph R. (Joseph Rodes)

But in Dr. Clarke's theory this period has a peculiar influence in rendering morbific conditions that at other times are innocuous.

From The Education of American Girls by Brackett, Anna C. (Anna Callender)

In such a case, the medicine first excites a combat between the morbific force and the conservative reaction.

From Apis Mellifica or, The Poison of the Honey-Bee, Considered as a Therapeutic Agent by Wolf, C. W.

Causes.—In addition to the causes already enumerated, are the accumulation of excrementitious and morbific materials in the system.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George