pest

• Substantiv, das ein Schadinsekt oder -tier bezeichnen kann, das Ernten oder Vieh befällt, einen ständig nervenden Menschen oder historisch eine schwere epidemische Krankheit mit hoher Sterblichkeit wie die Beulenpest.

A noun that can refer to a destructive insect or animal that attacks crops or livestock, a persistently annoying person, or historically, a serious epidemic disease with a high death rate, such as the bubonic plague.

1. Bubonic plagueB2formalmedical

   A serious, sometimes fatal, infection in rodents caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be accidentally transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected flea.

   Pest

   • The bubonic pest devastated Europe in the Middle Ages.
   • Modern antibiotics can treat the pest if caught early.
   • The outbreak of pest among rats caused widespread panic.

   Synonymeblack deathbubonic plaguepestilenceplague

2. B2formalmedical

   Any widespread epidemic disease that causes a high number of deaths.

   Seuche

   • The pest swept through the city, leaving thousands dead.
   • Historical records describe the pest as a terrible scourge.
   • Quarantine measures were introduced to contain the pest.

   Synonymecontagionepidemicpandemicpestilenceplaguescourge

3. Annoying personB1informal

   A person who persistently annoys or bothers others.

   Nervensäge

   • My little brother is such a pest when I'm trying to study.
   • Stop being a pest and leave me alone!
   • That guy at the party was a real pest, asking too many questions.

   Synonymeannoyancebotherheadacheirritantnuisanceplaguetorment

4. Destructive animal or insectB1formalscientific

   Any unwanted and destructive insect or animal that attacks food, crops, or livestock.

   Schädling

   • Farmers use pesticides to protect their crops from pests.
   • Rats and mice are common household pests.
   • The garden was infested with pests that ate all the vegetables.

   Synonymebugvarmintvermin