plague

/ˈplāg/

Middle English plage, from Late Latin plaga, from Latin, blow; akin to Latin plangere to strike

noun

  1. a disastrous evil or affliction : calamity

  2. a destructively numerous influx or multiplication of a noxious animal : infestation

  3. an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality : pestilence

a plague of locusts

verb

  1. to smite, infest, or afflict with or as if with disease, calamity, or natural evil

  2. to cause worry or distress to : hamper, burden

  3. to disturb or annoy persistently

worry annoy harass harry plague pester tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

adjective

  1. used or intended to counteract a plague and especially bubonic plague

anti-plague measures