pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpe-stə-lən(t)s 

1

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating

especially : bubonic plague

2

: something that is destructive or pernicious

I'll pour this pestilence into his ear

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• pest
• plague

Examples of pestilence in a Sentence

After years of war and pestilence, few people remained in the city.

the fear that terrorists could unleash a pestilence that would wreak unspeakable havoc

Recent Examples on the Web

In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. —Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

Email marketing has become an inescapable pestilence, causing anxiety as consumers try to discern which emails are legitimate and which may be phishing attempts. —Greg Petro, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

My advice has nothing to do with conflict or pestilence. —Paul Thornton, The Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2024

Published in the aftermath of the Black Death, Boccaccio’s frame narrative features 10 wealthy young people (and some of their servants) sheltering in the countryside from the pestilence ravaging Florence. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s 

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that spreads quickly and is often fatal

especially : bubonic plague

Medical Definition

pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s 

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating

specifically : bubonic plague