verb
Uncommon
perish
PEH-rihsh
Perish (verb) means to die, especially suddenly or violently. Example: “Hundreds perished when the ship sank.”
verb
1
To die, especially suddenly or violently.
"Hundreds perished when the ship sank."
2
To decay, rot, or fall apart until it can no longer be used.
"Rubber seals perish over time if left in the sun."
How to use perish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo die, or — for materials — to rot and become unusable.
Common mistake
The idiom "perish the thought" means "I hope that doesn't happen" — it isn't literally about dying.
Common pairings
perish in the fire
perishable goods
perish the thought
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- perishes
- Past tense
- perished
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Hundreds _____ when the ship sank.
Etymology
From Old French perir, from Latin perire ("to pass away"), from per- ("through") + ire ("to go").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for perish
See all rhymes for perish →Frequently asked questions
What does “perish” mean?
The word “perish” means to die, especially suddenly or violently. In plain terms, to die, or — for materials — to rot and become unusable.
How do you pronounce “perish”?
“Perish” is pronounced PEH-rihsh (/ˈpɛɹɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “perish” in a sentence?
Here is “perish” used in a sentence: “Hundreds perished when the ship sank.”
What part of speech is “perish”?
“Perish” is a verb.
Where does the word “perish” come from?
The word “perish” comes from Latin. From Old French perir, from Latin perire ("to pass away"), from per- ("through") + ire ("to go").
Is “perish” a common word?
“Perish” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “perish” have?
“Perish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to die, especially suddenly or violently.
