bane

UK: beɪn | US: beɪn

Definition

  1. n. a cause of great distress or annoyance

  2. n. (archaic) poison; a source of harm or ruin

Structure
ban <death, destruction>ban <death, destruction>
Etymology

The word "bane" traces back to Old English bana, meaning "slayer" or "cause of death," reflecting its grim association with destruction. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to denote anything causing ruin or extreme annoyance, while retaining its archaic sense of "poison." The silent "e" is a vestige of Middle English spelling conventions.

Examples

  1. The invasive species became the bane of local farmers.

  2. Gossip is often the bane of small communities.

  3. In medieval tales, witches brewed banes to harm their enemies.

  4. Poor communication proved to be the bane of the project.

  5. The knight feared no bane, be it sword or spell.