plague

IPA

Dictionary definition of plague

To cause trouble, annoyance, or distress to someone or something, usually persistently or continuously.
"The company's financial problems continue to plague them."

Detailed meaning of plague

It can also refer to the spread of a contagious disease or illness, affecting a large number of people. The word implies a sense of persistent and ongoing difficulty or affliction, often with a negative impact on the affected individual or group. It can be used to describe a variety of situations, from a persistent problem that keeps causing difficulties to a series of unfortunate events that seem to follow someone. In the context of disease, the verb "plague" is associated with infectious diseases that have caused widespread illness and death throughout history, such as the bubonic plague. Overall, the verb "plague" suggests a persistent and ongoing problem or affliction that causes harm or distress.

Example sentences containing plague

1. The relentless cough would plague him for weeks.
2. A sense of guilt would plague her conscience.
3. The haunting memories continued to plague his mind.
4. The financial crisis began to plague the company.
5. The persistent rumors would plague their reputation.
6. Loneliness would plague her in the empty house.

History and etymology of plague

The verb 'plague' draws its etymology from the Latin word 'plaga,' which originally referred to a strike, wound, or blow. Over time, 'plaga' evolved to encompass the sense of affliction or calamity, particularly in the context of epidemics or widespread diseases. In the late Middle Ages, the term 'plague' was used to describe the devastating bubonic plague, which brought immense suffering and distress. From this association with widespread suffering, the verb 'plague' emerged to signify causing trouble, annoyance, or distress to someone or something, often persistently or continuously. This evolution in meaning reflects how language adapts to capture the impact of various afflictions and calamities on human experience, allowing 'plague' to convey both physical and metaphorical forms of persistent trouble and distress.

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Further usage examples of plague

1. Insecurity would plague him whenever he spoke in public.
2. Doubt would plague her decision-making process.
3. The fear of failure would plague his ambitions.
4. Sleepless nights would plague her with worry.
5. The lack of motivation would plague his productivity.
6. The relentless rain would plague the outdoor event.
7. Technical difficulties would plague their live performance.
8. The constant noise would plague his concentration.
9. The broken heater would plague the office with cold temperatures.
10. The pests would plague the crops, causing a poor harvest.
11. Negative thoughts would plague her self-esteem.
12. The malfunctioning equipment would plague the production process.
13. The power outage would plague the entire neighborhood.
14. The recurring nightmares would plague his sleep.