Main Entry:

per·ish

Pronunciation:

\ˈper-ish, ˈpe-rish\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English perisshen, from Anglo-French periss-, stem of perir, from Latin perire, from per- detrimentally + ire to go — more at per-, issue

Date:

13th century

intransitive verb1: to become destroyed or ruined : cease to exist <recollection of a past already long since perished — Philip Sherrard> <guard against your mistakes or your attempts (perish the thought) to cheat — C. B. Davis>2chiefly British : deteriorate, spoiltransitive verb1chiefly British : to cause to die : destroy2: weaken, benumb