perish
verb (used without object)
to die or be destroyed through violence, privation, etc..
was perishing
-
past progressiveof perish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
As it seemed Notre Dame was perishing last night, I was heartbroken.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 16, 2019
It was perishing cold in France last week.
From Time Magazine Archive
“Alas! you must all die like this,” said Ellen, who was perishing like one of the flowers that had died in the drought for want of rain.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 56, Number 348 by Various
I was perishing of love for you from the first night I ever saw your face.
From The House by the Lock by A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson
"Oh! father, go seek for Ranald, for I dreamt to-night he was perishing in the snow!"
From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume I (of 2) by John Lyde Wilson
