pestilence (C2)

noun

Pronunciation: ˈpɛstɪləns

Definition

A fatal epidemic disease, especially one that spreads rapidly and causes widespread death.

Examples

• Historical accounts often describe the bubonic plague as a terrifying pestilence that decimated the population of Europe.

• The king feared that the pestilence would reach the capital and destroy his entire army.

• Medical advancements in the modern era have largely eradicated the threat of such a widespread pestilence.

Synonyms of pestilence

Words with a similar meaning to pestilence:

• illness
• disease
• epidemic
• plague

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