blight
UK: blaɪt | US: blaɪt
n. a cause of destruction, ruin, or distress
n. a plant disease, especially one caused by fungi or bacteria
vt. to cause suffering or damage
No data yet.
The word "blight" originated in the mid-16th century, likely derived from Old English blǣte (blight, ruin), though its exact roots are unclear. It may be related to Old Norse blátr (harm) or Proto-Germanic blaitiz (destruction). Originally referring to plant diseases, it later expanded metaphorically to describe any source of ruin or decay. The word’s compact structure reflects its ancient Germanic origins, making it non-splittable into smaller meaningful morphemes in modern English.
The potato crop was devastated by blight last year.
Urban decay is a blight on many industrialized cities.
Corruption can blight an entire nation’s progress.
The sudden frost blighted the orchard’s harvest.
Poverty remains a blight in underdeveloped regions.