noun
plague
playg
noun
1
A deadly, fast-spreading disease, especially historically the bubonic plague.
"The plague killed millions across Europe in the 14th century."
2
A widespread, serious problem or nuisance.
"A plague of locusts destroyed the entire harvest."
"Corruption has been a plague on the country's politics for decades."
verb
1
To trouble or afflict someone persistently.
"Injuries have plagued the team all season."
"She was plagued by doubts the night before the exam."
How to Use Plague
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deadly epidemic disease, or more loosely, a persistent serious problem that keeps causing trouble.
Common pairings
plague of locusts
plagued by problems
outbreak of plague
Word Forms
plagued past tense, plagues plural, plagues singular
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Etymology
From Latin plaga, "blow, wound," related to a verb meaning "to strike."