Meaning of Word
“Plague” refers to a widespread and often severe outbreak of disease or disaster, usually with significant harm or destruction. It can also describe a persistent, troublesome problem or annoyance.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Epidemic Disease: A highly contagious and often fatal disease that spreads rapidly among people or animals, especially one with devastating effects.
- Widespread Trouble: A situation where something causes continuous or severe distress or hardship, not necessarily related to disease.
- Biblical or Historical Catastrophe: Refers to large-scale afflictions or disasters in a specific region or time, often used in historical or religious contexts.
History and Origin
The word “plague” originates from the Latin word plaga, meaning “blow” or “strike,” which evolved into the Old French plague meaning “affliction” or “disease.” Historically, plagues have been significant events, such as the bubonic plague in the 14th century, which caused mass death and destruction across Europe. In biblical texts, “plagues” are divine afflictions sent as punishment.
Detailed Explanation
A “plague” can refer to both an epidemic disease and any overwhelming problem or disaster. The term is most often used to describe highly infectious diseases like the bubonic plague, cholera, or the Black Death, which spread quickly and caused high mortality. In addition to its medical connotation, “plague” is also used metaphorically to describe ongoing, troublesome issues—like a “plague of locusts” or a “plague of pests,” where the “plague” symbolizes a large-scale and persistent annoyance.
In modern usage, “plague” might not always refer to a literal disease but can denote any disruptive or harmful situation that spreads and affects a large number of people or things.
Example Sentences
- The bubonic plague swept through Europe in the 14th century, killing millions.
- A plague of mosquitoes made the evening unbearable for everyone at the picnic.
- His village was devastated by the plague, with many people falling ill.
- The city has been struggling with a plague of homelessness that needs immediate attention.
- The constant noise from construction work was a plague to the residents.
- She felt as if a plague of bad luck had followed her throughout the year.
- The authorities worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of the plague.
- The region faced a plague of droughts, damaging crops and livestock.
- Plague rats are often associated with the spread of the disease in historical outbreaks.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Epidemic: A widespread outbreak of disease or illness affecting a large number of people.
- Pestilence: A deadly or virulent disease, often used in a historical or biblical context.
- Scourge: A source of great pain and suffering, often used to describe widespread calamity.
- Affliction: A state of pain or suffering, often caused by disease or misfortune.
- Curse: A harmful or disruptive event or condition, sometimes implying divine punishment or misfortune.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Contagion: The spread of disease from one person to another, often linked to plagues.
- Outbreak: A sudden, often rapid spread of disease or trouble.
- Pandemic: A global epidemic of disease, often more widespread than a localized plague.
- Catastrophe: A sudden and widespread disaster, similar to a plague in its scope and impact.
- Bane: A cause of great distress or annoyance, similar to the persistent harm caused by a plague.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Blight: A disease or condition that damages crops or plants, similar to a plague of pests.
- Infection: A contagious disease, often spreading rapidly like a plague.
- Ravages: The destructive effects of something, such as disease or war, akin to a plague’s devastation.
- Nuisance: A troublesome or annoying problem, similar to a metaphorical “plague” in daily life.
- Pest: A troublesome or harmful organism, often used to describe insects or animals that plague people.
Antonyms
- Cure: A remedy or solution to a disease or issue, the opposite of a plague.
- Blessing: Something positive or beneficial, the opposite of a destructive plague.
- Healing: The process of recovery or restoration, counteracting the harm caused by a plague.
- Fortune: Good luck or positive circumstances, contrasting with the misfortune associated with a plague.
- Rescue: The act of saving or delivering from harm or distress, the opposite of being affected by a plague.