plague
UK: pleɪɡ | US: pleɪɡ
n. 1. A deadly epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.
n. 2. A cause of continual trouble or distress.
vt. 1. To cause continual trouble or distress to someone.
The word "plague" originates from the Latin plaga (meaning "blow" or "wound"), derived from the Greek plēgē (a strike or blow). This reflects the ancient perception of epidemics as divine punishment or sudden affliction. Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote contagious diseases like the bubonic plague, later expanding metaphorically to describe persistent nuisances.
The bubonic plague devastated Europe in the 14th century.
Corruption remains a plague on modern society.
Mosquitoes plagued the campers all night.
She was plagued by guilt after the accident.
The region faced a plague of locusts last summer.