Logo
dictionary thesaurus

pestilent

adjective
pes·​ti·​lent | \ ˈpe-stə-lənt How to pronounce pestilent (audio) \

Definition of pestilent

1 : destructive of life : deadly
2 : injuring or endangering society : pernicious
3 : causing displeasure or annoyance
4 : infectious, contagious a pestilent disease
Other Words from pestilent Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pestilent

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from pestilent

pestilently adverb

Examples of pestilent in a Sentence

proper hand washing will help prevent the spread of most pestilent diseases pestilent reporters hounding him night and day

Recent Examples on the Web

 At the time, the miasmatic theory of disease—the idea that illness was caused by foul, pestilent odors—had made its way to Boston from England, and undoubtedly influenced the decision to fill in the pond. — Betsy Mason, National Geographic, "How Boston Made Itself Bigger," 13 June 2017 At the time, the miasmatic theory of disease—the idea that illness was caused by foul, pestilent odors—had made its way to Boston from England, and undoubtedly influenced the decision to fill in the pond. — Betsy Mason, National Geographic, "How Boston Made Itself Bigger," 13 June 2017

First Known Use of pestilent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pestilent

Middle English, from Latin pestilent-, pestilens pestilential, from pestis

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

utmost

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!