Plaguing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
plaguing
[หpleษชษกษชล ]
Definition
ongoing problem
To plague means to cause continual trouble or distress. It often refers to situations where someone or something is troubled by persistent difficulties or hardships. This term can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. For example, one can be plagued by doubts, fears, or even by specific diseases. The sense of the word often implies a relentless and troublesome presence that causes significant distress.
Synonyms
afflict, bother, harass, torment, trouble.
Examples of usage
- She was plagued by anxiety during the exam.
- The town was plagued by a series of natural disasters.
- He felt plagued by bad luck all year long.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- Throughout history, plagues have been used metaphorically to describe societal issues, like poverty or war, emphasizing widespread suffering.
- In literature, plagues often symbolize moral decay or the consequences of human actions, such as in works by Albert Camus.
- The awareness of how events can plague societies can be traced back to ancient civilizations, reflecting their struggles against various calamities.
Psychology
- Persistent worries can plague individuals, often leading to anxiety or depression, showing how mental health can be affected by nagging thoughts.
- The phenomenon of rumination is when a person is plagued by repetitive thinking, which impacts their emotional wellbeing.
- Therapists often help individuals find ways to cope with thoughts that are plaguing them, promoting healthier mental habits.
Pop Culture
- Various songs and movies use the theme of being 'plagued' by love or regret, enhancing the emotional connection with audiences.
- Television series often depict characters who are plagued by their past choices, showcasing the struggle between regret and redemption.
- Video games frequently incorporate plaguing elements as obstacles for characters, symbolizing internal or external conflicts.
Literature
- Many literary characters are portrayed as being plagued by their conscience, illustrating the heavy toll of guilt and regret.
- In Shakespeareโs works, characters often deal with being plagued by ambition or desire, leading to tragic outcomes.
- The symbolism of plaguing frequently appears in poetry, where authors express feelings of turmoil and unrest regarding personal or societal issues.
Origin of 'plaguing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'plaga,' meaning a 'blow,' 'strike,' or 'suffering.'
- In the Middle Ages, the term was often associated with diseases and misfortunes, leading to the modern usage of causing distress.
- Over time, 'plaguing' evolved from a literal health concern to a wider context of persistent annoyance or anxiety.
The word 'plague' originates from the Latin word 'plaga,' which means 'stroke' or 'blow.' The term evolved in Middle French as 'plage,' which further developed into the English 'plague.' Historically, the term has often been associated with the various catastrophic epidemics that have swept through populations, most famously the bubonic plague in medieval Europe. This disease caused immense suffering and death, leading to the figurative use of the term to describe anything that causes long-lasting distress or trouble. Over the centuries, 'plague' has expanded in its usage and can now refer to any persistent problem, reflecting the notion of something afflicting harm or suffering continuously.