Plague Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plague

[pleɪɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

disease

A plague is a widespread disease that affects a large number of people or animals.

Synonyms

epidemic, outbreak, pandemic.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.
Context #3 | Verb

annoy

To plague someone means to cause continual trouble or distress to them.

Synonyms

bother, haunt, torment.

Examples of usage

  • She was plagued by persistent doubts about her abilities.
  • The city was plagued by traffic congestion during rush hour.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'plague'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'plague' originated from the Latin word 'plaga' meaning 'a blow or wound'. In the 14th century, it specifically referred to the bubonic plague. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any widespread disease or calamity. The word has been used to describe various epidemics and troubles throughout history, symbolizing suffering and devastation.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,982 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.