English Explanatory Dictionary

pestilence

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any epidemic disease that is highly contagious, infectious, virulent and devastating.
  2. Anything harmful to morals or public order.
name
  1. The personification of pestilence, often depicted riding a white horse.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛstələn(t)s/ /ˈpɛstɪlən(t)s/ /ˈpɛstlən(t)s/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-pestilence.wav

Word forms

pestilence pestilences

Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pestilentia (“plague”), from pestilens (“infected, unwholesome, noxious”); equivalent to pestilent + -ence.

Synonyms

plague murrain Conquest the white rider

Related words

pest pesticide pestilent virulence
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