blighted
UK: /ˈblaɪtɪd/ | US: /ˈblaɪtɪd/
adj. 1. damaged or spoiled, especially by disease or environmental factors (e.g., "blighted crops").
adj. 2. suffering from urban decay or neglect (e.g., "a blighted neighborhood").
vt. 1. to cause harm or ruin (e.g., "drought blighted the harvest").
The word "blight" originated in the 17th century, likely derived from Old English blǣte (a skin eruption) or related to Middle English blīten (to spoil). The suffix "-ed" turns it into an adjective or past participle, emphasizing the state of being affected by blight. Over time, "blighted" expanded from describing plant diseases to metaphorical uses (e.g., urban decay).
The orchard was blighted by a fungal infection.
Years of poverty have blighted the once-thriving industrial town.
Her hopes were blighted by the sudden rejection.
The blighted leaves curled and turned brown.
Efforts to revive the blighted downtown area are underway.