Pestilent: meaning, definitions and examples
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pestilent
[ ˈpɛs.tɪ.lənt ]
disease context
Pestilent refers to something that is harmful or destructive to life, often associated with the spread of disease. It describes pathogens that are virulent and capable of causing widespread illness or death. The term can also be used to describe something that is morally harmful or pernicious. In literature, pestilent often conveys a sense of danger and urgency, illustrating the impact of a plague or a harmful influence. It is primarily used in historical or literary contexts, evoking images of outbreaks and suffering.
Synonyms
dangerous, infectious, noisome, noxious, virulent
Examples of usage
- The pestilent air was filled with the smell of decay.
- During the outbreak, many cities were declared pestilent zones.
- Pestilent ideas can corrupt young minds.
- The pestilent disease spread rapidly through the population.
Translations
Translations of the word "pestilent" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pestilento
- nocivo
- prejudicial
🇮🇳 विषैला
- रोगजनक
- नाशक
🇩🇪 pestilenzartig
- schädlich
- gefährlich
🇮🇩 pestis
- berbahaya
- merusak
🇺🇦 пестицидний
- згубний
- отруйний
🇵🇱 pestylencja
- szkodliwy
- zgubny
🇯🇵 疫病の
- 有害な
- 致命的な
🇫🇷 pestilentiel
- nuisible
- néfaste
🇪🇸 pestilente
- perjudicial
- dañino
🇹🇷 salgın
- zararlı
- tehlikeli
🇰🇷 전염병의
- 해로운
- 치명적인
🇸🇦 مُعدٍ
- ضار
- قاتل
🇨🇿 morový
- škodlivý
- zhoubný
🇸🇰 morový
- škodlivý
- zhubný
🇨🇳 瘟疫的
- 有害的
- 致命的
🇸🇮 kužni
- škodljiv
- usoden
🇮🇸 plágus
- skaðlegur
- banvænn
🇰🇿 жұқпалы
- зиянды
- қауіпті
🇬🇪 პესტილენტური
- საზიანო
- მავნე
🇦🇿 epidemik
- ziyanlı
- təhlükəli
🇲🇽 pestilente
- perjudicial
- dañino
Etymology
The word 'pestilent' originates from the Latin term 'pestilentem', which is the accusative singular of 'pestilens', stemming from 'pestis', meaning 'plague' or 'disease'. The concept of pestilence has been prevalent throughout history, particularly during times of pandemics and epidemics. Its earliest usage can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was commonly employed to describe the Black Death and other significant outbreaks that decimated populations across Europe and Asia. Over centuries, 'pestilent' evolved to encompass not only diseases but also metaphoric uses to describe harmful influences in society, literature, and environments. As such, the term has maintained its relevance through various historical contexts, reflecting humanity's ongoing challenges against both literal and figurative forms of pestilence.