diseased
UK: dɪˈziːzd | US: dɪˈziːzd
adj. affected with or suffering from a disease
adj. morally or socially corrupt
adj. (of plants or animals) showing symptoms of illness
The word "diseased" originates from the prefix "dis-" (meaning "lack of" or "opposite of") combined with "ease" (from Old French "aise," meaning "comfort" or "freedom from pain"). The suffix "-ed" turns it into an adjective, describing a state of being deprived of health. Over time, "diseased" evolved to describe not only physical illness but also moral or social decay, reflecting the broader metaphorical use of "disease" as a corrupting influence.
The diseased tree had to be cut down to prevent the infection from spreading.
The doctor examined the diseased tissue under a microscope.
His diseased mind led him to commit terrible acts.
The farmer isolated the diseased livestock from the healthy animals.
The novel explores a diseased society plagued by greed and inequality.