blight
blyt
Blight (noun) means a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems. Example: “Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year.”
noun
1
A plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems.
"Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year."
2
Something that damages or holds back growth, development, or quality of life.
"Poverty remains a blight on the community."
"Urban blight has left entire streets of the city abandoned."
verb
1
To damage or spoil the growth or development of something.
"The scandal blighted his reputation for years."
How to use blight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA disease that ruins plants, or more broadly, anything that spoils or holds back growth and prosperity.
Common pairings
urban blight
potato blight
blight on society
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Word forms
- Plural
- blights
- Third person singular
- blights
- Past tense
- blighted
- Archaic forms
- blightest, blightedst, blighteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Potato _____ devastated crops across the region that year.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but likely related to an Old English word meaning "to shine or grow pale" — possibly linked to the same root as "bleak."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for blight
See all rhymes for blight →Frequently asked questions
What does “blight” mean?
The word “blight” means a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems. In plain terms, a disease that ruins plants, or more broadly, anything that spoils or holds back growth and prosperity.
How do you pronounce “blight”?
“Blight” is pronounced blyt (/blaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “blight” in a sentence?
Here is “blight” used in a sentence: “Potato blight devastated crops across the region that year.”
What part of speech is “blight”?
Depending on how it is used, “blight” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blight” come from?
The word “blight” comes from Old English. Origin uncertain, but likely related to an Old English word meaning "to shine or grow pale" — possibly linked to the same root as "bleak.".
Is “blight” a common word?
“Blight” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “blight” have?
“Blight” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plant disease, often caused by fungus, that causes rapid browning and death of leaves or stems.
