pestilence

• Nom désignant une maladie épidémique mortelle, historiquement souvent la peste, ou toute influence répandue et destructrice difficile à éradiquer.

A noun referring to a deadly epidemic disease, historically often the plague, or any widespread and destructive influence that is difficult to eradicate.

1. Bubonic plagueC1formalmedical

   A serious, often fatal bacterial infection in rodents caused by Yersinia pestis, accidentally transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected flea.

   peste bubonique

   • The pestilence swept through the medieval city, killing thousands.
   • Historians study how the pestilence spread along trade routes.
   • Modern antibiotics can treat pestilence if caught early.

   Synonymesblack deathbubonic plagueplague

2. C1formalmedical

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

   Maladie épidémique mortelle

   • The pestilence ravaged the population, leaving few survivors.
   • Quarantine measures were introduced to contain the pestilence.
   • Ancient texts describe a pestilence that decimated entire villages.

   Synonymescontagionepidemicpandemicpestplague

3. Harmful influenceC2formal

   A pernicious and destructive influence that is difficult to eliminate.

   Fléau destructeur

   • Corruption is a pestilence that undermines trust in government.
   • The spread of misinformation is a modern pestilence on social media.
   • They viewed the new policy as a pestilence upon the community.

   Synonymesbaneblightcancercurseevilplaguescourge