verb
perish
PEH-rihsh
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
Word Forms
perished past tense, perishes singular
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Hundreds _____ when the ship sank.
Etymology
From Old French perir, from Latin perire ("to pass away"), from per- ("through") + ire ("to go").