Plagued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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plagued
[pleษชgd ]
Definition
suffering from
The term 'plagued' refers to being affected by a persistent or overwhelming issue, often causing distress or suffering. It can be used to describe situations where individuals or groups are troubled by various adversities, such as diseases, misfortunes, or complex problems. The word often conveys a sense of recurrent agony or a haunting burden that is difficult to escape. In literature, it is frequently used to convey the emotional or psychological struggles faced by characters amid challenging circumstances.
Synonyms
afflicted, harassed, tormented, troubled.
Examples of usage
- She was plagued by doubts about her future.
- The city was plagued by a severe outbreak of the flu.
- They felt plagued by financial problems for years.
Translations
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Origin of 'plagued'
The word 'plagued' originates from the Old French term 'plaie' which means 'a wound' or 'a plague'. This was derived from the Latin word 'plaga', meaning 'a stroke' or 'a blow'. Historically, the term 'plague' became associated with severe diseases that caused widespread suffering, such as the Black Death in the 14th century, which significantly shaped its usage. Over time, the term evolved to express not only physical afflictions but also psychological and emotional burdens. The figurative use of 'plagued' allowed it to describe a variety of misfortunes, making it a powerful descriptor in both everyday language and literature.