Plague
/pleɪɡ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA widespread disease causing many deaths.
/pleɪɡ/
A contagious disease that causes widespread illness and death.
The Black Plague ravaged Europe in the 14th century.
💡 Simply: Imagine a REALLY bad sickness that spreads fast and makes a lot of people very, very sick. Like the flu, but way worse.
👶 For kids: A very bad sickness that spreads to a lot of people.
More Examples
Scientists are working hard to prevent another outbreak of a deadly plague.
The fear of the plague caused widespread panic.
How It's Used
"The bubonic plague decimated the population of Europe in the Middle Ages."
"Historical accounts describe the devastating impact of various plagues throughout history."
Anything that causes great trouble or suffering.
/pleɪɡ/
Something that causes trouble or suffering.
Constant interruptions became a plague on his work.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that causes a lot of problems, like endless homework or a REALLY annoying neighbor. That's a plague!
👶 For kids: Something that makes a lot of trouble.
More Examples
The excessive heat was a plague during the summer.
Noise pollution is a modern plague in many cities.
How It's Used
"Inflation has become a plague on the economy."
"Gossip was a plague that ruined many friendships."
To cause continual trouble, distress, or suffering to; to torment.
/pleɪɡ/
To cause persistent suffering or distress to.
A series of financial difficulties plagued the company.
💡 Simply: Imagine something keeps bothering you and won't go away, like a mosquito bite that just won't stop itching. That thing is plaguing you!
👶 For kids: To bother someone a lot.
More Examples
Self-doubt plagued him throughout his career.
The drought plagued the farmers for months.
How It's Used
"Constant worry plagued her mind."
"Bad weather plagued the construction project."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a plague on both your houses
Used to express irritation or condemnation of both sides in a dispute.
"After listening to their bickering, he muttered, "A plague on both your houses!""
From Latin *plāga* ('blow, stroke, wound'), likely influenced by French *plague*.
Used extensively in literature and historical accounts to describe devastating diseases and societal problems.
Memory tip
Think of a dark, spreading shadow of death.
Word Origin
"blow, wound"