PESTILENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Pestilence, noun:
1. A highly contagious or infectious disease, often with devastating effects on a population or a specific region, characterized by a rapid spread, high mortality rate, and severe symptoms. Pestilence commonly refers to epidemic diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that spread rapidly among humans or animals, such as the bubonic plague or influenza.
2. A widespread calamity or disaster that causes great harm, suffering, or destruction. In a broader sense, pestilence can refer to any disastrous or detrimental occurrence that affects a large group of people or a specific area, such as natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, or even metaphorical pestilences like war or economic crises.
The term "pestilence" originates from the Latin word "pestis," meaning plague or contagious disease. The concept of pestilence has been present throughout history and has often had a profound impact on societies, leading to mass mortality, social upheaval, and economic disruption. Its consequences have been depicted in numerous works of literature, highlighting the devastating nature of such events. While advances in medical science and public health have mitigated the impact of pestilences, the term still carries the weight of grave danger and catastrophic consequences when applied to contagious diseases or wide-scale disasters.
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1. The plague. 2. An epidemic of any infectious disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Any contagious and malignant or mortal disease; the plague; anything sweepingly destructive.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of PESTILENCE
The word "pestilence" originated from the Latin term "pestilentia", which is derived from the root word "pestis" meaning "plague" or "epidemic disease". It is related to the Latin verb "petero" meaning "to strike" or "to assail". Thus, the etymology of "pestilence" suggests a connection to the concept of a deadly and contagious disease, often associated with widespread affliction and death.
Similar spelling words for PESTILENCE
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