plague
/pleΙͺΙ‘/
An overwhelming, oppressive force that causes widespread suffering or destruction. While its literal meaning refers to an infectious disease (like the bubonic plague), it is more commonly used metaphorically to describe any persistent, recurring problem that seems impossible to escape. In a biological sense, it carries a heavy weight of historical dread and mass mortality. When applied to non-medical contextsβsuch as "plagued by doubts" or "plagued by injuries"βit suggests a feeling of being hunted or haunted by an unlucky streak. Unlike 'disease' (which is clinical) or 'nuisance' (which is minor), 'plague' implies a scale of devastation that is systemic and relentless. It is often used in formal or dramatic contexts to emphasize the severity of a burden.
Countable when referring to a specific outbreak or a specific type of disease. Uncountable when referring to the general state of being afflicted by a calamity.
π¬Casual Conversation
Your endless gaming noise has become a total plague, Ryan.
Huh? I thought I had my headset on.
Meanings
A contagious bacterial disease characterized by swollen lymph nodes and fever.
"The Black Death was a plague that devastated Europe in the 14th century."
A widespread affliction or calamity that causes great distress or destruction.
"The region suffered from a plague of locusts for three years."
Collocations & Compounds
bubonic plague
A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, typically with the formation of buboes and sometimes infection of the lungs.
The bubonic plague wiped out a significant portion of Europe's population.
common plague
A widespread or prevalent disease or affliction.
Insects were a common plague in the region during the summer months.
terrible plague
An unusually severe or devastating disease or affliction.
The famine was a terrible plague upon the land.
plague doctor
A physician who treated plague victims during epidemics, often wearing a distinctive costume.
The eerie figure of the plague doctor is a historical curiosity.
plague outbreak
A sudden and widespread occurrence of a disease, especially the plague.
Authorities are monitoring for any signs of a plague outbreak.
Phrasal Verbs
plague with
To afflict or trouble persistently.
He has been plagued with self-doubt for years.
Idioms & Sayings
a plague on both your houses
A curse or expression of anger directed at two opposing parties involved in a dispute, wishing misfortune upon them.
After their endless bickering, she finally exclaimed, 'a plague on both your houses!'
Etymology
The word 'plague' comes from the Latin word 'plaga', meaning 'stroke' or 'blow'. It entered Old French as 'plague' and then into Middle English around the 14th century, initially referring to a pestilence or epidemic disease, most notably the bubonic plague. Over time, its meaning broadened to include any widespread affliction or nuisance.