pestilence

• 名词，指造成大量死亡的烈性传染病，历史上常指鼠疫；也泛指任何广泛传播、极具破坏性且难以根除的祸害。

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.

   鼠疫

   • 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.

   同义词black deathbubonic plagueplague

2. C1formalmedical

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

   瘟疫

   • 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.

   同义词contagionepidemicpandemicpestplague

3. Harmful influenceC2formal

   A pernicious and destructive influence that is difficult to eliminate.

   祸害

   • 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.

   同义词baneblightcancercurseevilplaguescourge