pestilent

UK: ˈpɛstɪlənt | US: ˈpɛstələnt

Definition

  1. adj. 1. Highly destructive or deadly (especially of disease).

  2. adj. 2. Harmful or morally corrupting.

  3. adj. 3. Annoyingly pervasive or troublesome.

Structure
pest <plague>ilent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

pestilent = pest<plague> + ilent<adjective suffix>

  • pest<plague>: From Latin pestis (plague, destruction).
  • ilent<adjective suffix>: A variant of -ulent, meaning "full of" or "characterized by" (e.g., virulent).

Etymology Origin:
The word pestilent traces back to Latin pestilentia (plague), derived from pestis (destruction, curse). Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe not just physical disease but also metaphorical corruption or nuisance. The suffix -ilent intensifies the root, emphasizing the word’s association with pervasive harm.

Examples

  1. The pestilent outbreak wiped out entire villages in the 14th century.

  2. His pestilent lies poisoned the trust within the community.

  3. The swamp was a pestilent breeding ground for mosquitoes.

  4. Critics condemned the film as a pestilent influence on youth.

  5. A pestilent stench rose from the rotting garbage.