pest

pest · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An insect or animal that causes damage to crops, food, or livestock.

  2. 2.

    (informal) An annoying person, especially a child who bothers others.

  3. 3.

    (archaic) A deadly epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.

Forms

plural: pests

Related words

Antonyms: benefit
See also: insect, nuisance, vermin
Synonyms: annoyance, nuisance, vermin

Etymology

From Latin pestis meaning "plague, pestilence, contagious disease."