perishing

UK: ˈpɛrɪʃɪŋ | US: ˈpɛrɪʃɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. extremely cold or unpleasant

  2. adj. (archaic) causing death or destruction

  3. v. present participle of "perish" (to die or be destroyed)

Structure
perish <to die or decay>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "perishing" derives from the verb "perish," which entered Middle English via Old French perir (to die) and ultimately from Latin perire (to pass away, be lost). The Latin root combines per- (thoroughly, to destruction) + ire (to go), literally meaning "to go completely" (i.e., to vanish or die). The suffix -ing forms the present participle, originally describing the act of dying but later evolving to emphasize extreme conditions (e.g., "perishing cold").

Examples

  1. We were trapped in the perishing cold for hours.

  2. (Archaic) The perishing flames consumed the village.

  3. Food left outside will end up perishing quickly.

  4. She gave a perishing glance at the broken vase.

  5. Explorers faced perishing winds in the Arctic.