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Definition of pestilence

pestilence

/ˈpɛs.tɪ.ləns/
pes · ti · lence
Adverb:pestilentially
•
Plural:pestilences
•
Adjective:pestilential
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pestilence Lexical Profile

pestilence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A fatal, contagious epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.

Example

"Historians studied how the medieval pestilence reshaped the demographics and economy of fourteenth-century Europe."

2

Something regarded as pernicious, destructive, or morally corrupting.

Example

"The reformer denounced political corruption as a pestilence that undermined public trust in civic institutions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

pest
pester
pesticide
pestilence
pestle
pesto
pesty

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century via Old French from the Latin noun 'pestilentia', derived from 'pestilens' (infectious or unwholesome) and ultimately from 'pestis', meaning plague or destruction.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pestilence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pestilence
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