Perish
As a Verb
- To die, especially in a sudden, violent, or untimely manner.
- To be destroyed, ruined, or come to an end.
- (In reference to food or materials) To decay or spoil over time.
As Other Form
- Perishable (Adjective): Likely to decay, spoil, or deteriorate quickly.
- Perishment (Noun): The act of perishing or being destroyed.
Word History
The word perish comes from the Latin perire, meaning “to pass away” or “to be destroyed,” formed from per- (completely) and ire (to go). It entered English through Old French as perir and has long been used to describe destruction, death, or decay.
Examples
- Many plants perish without enough sunlight and water.
- Thousands perished in the war.
- The food will perish if left unrefrigerated.
Synonyms
Die, expire, vanish, deteriorate, decay
Related Words
Collapse, decompose, disintegrate, wither
Antonyms
Survive, thrive, endure, flourish
