plague

¹plague

noun \ˈplāg\

Definition of PLAGUE

1

a : a disastrous evil or affliction : calamity b : a destructively numerous influx <a plague of locusts>

2

a : an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality : pestilence b : a virulent contagious febrile disease that is caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) and that occurs in bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic forms —called also black death

3

a : a cause of irritation : nuisance b : a sudden unwelcome outbreak <a plague of burglaries>

Examples of PLAGUE

1. The country was hit by a plague of natural disasters that year.
2. There has been a plague of bank robberies in the area.
3. a plague that swept through the tribe in the 1600s

Origin of PLAGUE

Middle English plage, from Late Latin plaga, from Latin, blow; akin to Latin plangere to strike — more at plaint

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLAGUE

Synonyms: pest, pestilence

Related Words: murrain; epidemic, pandemic; affection, affliction, ailment, contagion, illness, infection, infirmity, malady, sickness; blight, curse, scourge

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Rhymes with PLAGUE

Haig, vague