Plague: meaning, definitions and examples
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plague
[pleɪɡ ]
Definitions
disease
A plague is a widespread disease that affects a large number of people or animals.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Black Death was a devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century.
- The bubonic plague caused millions of deaths during the Middle Ages.
trouble
A plague can also refer to a disastrous or troublesome situation that causes widespread suffering or distress.
Synonyms
calamity, disaster, misfortune.
Examples of usage
- The plague of corruption in the government led to widespread protests.
- The economic plague of poverty affects millions of people around the world.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'plague' comes from the Latin 'plaga', meaning 'blow' or 'strike', which suggests a sudden illness.
- Old French adapted the term as 'plague', which denotes a calamity or disaster, emphasizing its devastating effects.
- The term has historically been used to describe various epidemics, not just the famous bubonic plague.
Historical Context
- The Black Death, which struck Europe in the 14th century, killed an estimated 25 million people and changed society forever.
- Various plagues throughout history prompted significant changes in public health practices and urban planning.
- Plagues often lead to improvements in medical science as societies sought to understand and combat diseases.
Impact on Society
- Plagues have historically resulted in fear, social unrest, and changes in labor dynamics due to workforce shortages.
- Arts and literature have often been influenced by plagues, as many artists and writers sought to explore themes of mortality and suffering.
- The response to outbreaks often included quarantine measures, shaping early concepts of disease prevention.
Cultural References
- Plagues have been featured prominently in religious texts, often seen as a punishment or a test of faith.
- In Shakespeare's works, references to plagues highlight the fear and chaos that accompany such outbreaks.
- Movies and television shows continue to depict plague-like scenarios, reflecting society's ongoing fascination with diseases.
Modern Understanding
- Today, we understand many diseases that were once called plagues to be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
- Public health measures have evolved significantly, including vaccination campaigns that help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- Plagues are often monitored by global health organizations that aim to respond quickly to outbreaks.
Translations
Translations of the word "plague" in other languages:
🇵🇹 peste
🇮🇳 महामारी
🇩🇪 Pest
🇮🇩 wabah
🇺🇦 чума
🇵🇱 dżuma
🇯🇵 ペスト
🇫🇷 peste
🇪🇸 peste
🇹🇷 veba
🇰🇷 흑사병
🇸🇦 طاعون
🇨🇿 mor
🇸🇰 mor
🇨🇳 瘟疫
🇸🇮 kuga
🇮🇸 plága
🇰🇿 оба
🇬🇪 შავი ჭირი
🇦🇿 taun
🇲🇽 peste