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 verb 1 : 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>
2 chiefly British : deteriorate, spoiltransitive verb 1 chiefly British : to cause to die : destroy
2 : weaken, benumb