Scourge

usgb/skɜːrdʒ/
noun

Something that causes great trouble, suffering or destruction.

Diseases are often a scourge in poor countries
Visual representation of "scourge" - Something that causes great trouble, suffering or destruction

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "scourge"
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Negative Context

Used to describe serious, harmful situations or events, usually beyond human control.

Illustration for Negative Context
Floods are a scourge that can displace thousands.
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Expressing Severity

Emphasizes the extreme negative impact of a situation, often more intense than synonyms.

Illustration for Expressing Severity
The scourge of illiteracy affects economic development.
Visual representation of the word "Scourge"

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