plague

plague · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, typically spread by fleas.

  2. 2.

    To cause continual trouble or distress to.

  3. 3.

    Any widespread disease causing a high rate of death.

  4. 4.

    An unusually large number of insects or animals causing damage.

  5. 5.

    A cause of annoyance or trouble.

Forms

plural: plagues

Related words

Antonyms: blessing, boon
See also: epidemic, pandemic, pestilence
Synonyms: epidemic, pestilence, scourge

Etymology

From Latin plaga ("blow, wound"), later used to describe pestilence. Related to Greek plēgē ("stroke, blow").