Entry Word: pest

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death <one of the great pests of the 20th century was the influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions across the globe> — see plague
2 one who is obnoxiously annoying <stop being a pest to your sister and go find something else to do> — see nuisance 1
3 something that is a source of irritation <a never-ending construction project that continues to be a pest for motorists> — see annoyance 3