scourge

IPA

Dictionary definition of scourge

Referring to a devastating and often widespread source of suffering, affliction, or calamity.
"The invasive species were a scourge on the local ecosystem."

Detailed meaning of scourge

It can encompass a range of things, such as diseases, natural disasters, social issues, or any other forces that bring about significant harm or destruction. Historically, the term was also used to describe a whip or a lash, emphasizing its capacity to cause severe pain or punishment. In its modern usage, 'scourge' is frequently employed metaphorically to depict anything that inflicts widespread misery or turmoil on individuals, communities, or societies. It conveys a strong sense of affliction and underscores the gravity and extent of the suffering or adversity it represents.

Example sentences containing scourge

1. The disease was a scourge on the community, affecting many people.
2. He was determined to put an end to the scourge of poverty in his country.
3. She saw the drug problem as a scourge on society, and worked to combat it.
4. The war was a scourge that had lasted for too many years.
5. He considered himself to be a scourge on society, and wanted to change his ways.
6. The government's policies were a scourge on the economy.

History and etymology of scourge

The noun 'scourge' has its roots in Middle English and Old French. In Middle English, it appeared as 'skourge,' which came from the Old French word 'escorge' or 'escorgier,' meaning 'to whip' or 'to flog.' This Old French term itself had been influenced by the Latin word 'excoriare,' which means 'to flay' or 'to strip the skin from.' Over time, 'scourge' shifted in meaning from a physical instrument of punishment, such as a whip, to a metaphorical representation of a devastating and often widespread source of suffering, affliction, or calamity. Its etymology reflects the historical association of physical punishment with intense suffering and hardship, which later evolved into the metaphorical sense of a scourge being a cause of widespread and severe distress or calamity.

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Further usage examples of scourge

1. She saw corruption as a scourge that needed to be eliminated.
2. The forest fires were a scourge that devastated the land.
3. He fought against the scourge of racism throughout his life.
4. The invasive species were a scourge on the local ecosystem.
5. The epidemic was a scourge that had to be controlled as soon as possible.
6. She saw the lack of education as a scourge that held her community back.
7. Terrorism persists as a global scourge, threatening peace and security worldwide, demanding vigilant countermeasures.
8. Pandemics, like COVID-19, can swiftly transform into societal scourges, wreaking havoc on health, economies, and daily life.
9. Drug addiction, with its devastating grip, is a relentless scourge, tearing lives apart and demanding comprehensive support.
10. Poverty, a deeply rooted scourge, persists widely, perpetuating cycles of hardship and social inequality, necessitating systemic change.
11. Human trafficking, a pervasive and tragic scourge, preys on vulnerable individuals, necessitating robust international cooperation to combat it.
12. Pollution poses a grave global environmental scourge, with far-reaching repercussions for ecosystems, demanding urgent action to mitigate its effects.
13. Discrimination, a societal scourge rooted in prejudice, demands comprehensive efforts to build inclusive and equitable communities.
14. Economic inequality remains a persistent scourge, fueling social divisions and injustices, necessitating equitable economic policies.
15. Political corruption, a deep-rooted societal scourge, erodes trust in governance, demanding transparency and accountability reforms.
16. Illiteracy, silently hindering progress, is a societal scourge that requires accessible education opportunities for all.
17. Drug-resistant infections are a looming medical scourge, necessitating vigilant healthcare strategies to prevent their spread.
18. Cyberattacks, a growing digital security scourge, underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical systems.
19. War's devastating scourge leaves lasting physical and emotional wounds, highlighting the urgent need for conflict prevention and resolution.
20. Hunger persists as a societal scourge in many countries, emphasizing the importance of global food security efforts.
21. Addiction's grip tightens, a personal scourge challenging individuals to seek help and support for recovery.
22. Domestic violence, a hidden scourge, inflicts physical and emotional harm on families, necessitating resources for victims and prevention programs.
23. Corruption erodes trust, an enduring societal scourge that demands ethical leadership and anti-corruption measures.
24. Drug abuse, a pervasive societal scourge, necessitates comprehensive addiction treatment and prevention programs.
25. Discrimination remains a societal scourge to confront, demanding collective efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
26. Environmental pollution poses an urgent global scourge, calling for sustainable practices and environmental protection measures.