pestilence crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "pestilence crossword clue" across various letter counts. Let us help you complete your puzzle with ease!
Solutions for "pestilence crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEST: A troublesome or annoying person or thing, fitting a broader interpretation of pestilence as a widespread nuisance.
6 Letters
PLAGUE: A highly infectious and often fatal epidemic disease, or a widespread affliction, directly synonymous with pestilence.
7 Letters
SCOURGE: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering, often in a widespread manner, thus acting as a form of pestilence.
8 Letters
EPIDEMIC: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time, a direct and common meaning of pestilence.
More About "pestilence crossword clue"
The term "pestilence" carries significant historical weight, most famously associated with the Black Death, a devastating pandemic in the 14th century. Etymologically, it derives from the Latin 'pestilentia,' meaning plague or contagion. In a broader sense, it refers to any widespread and troublesome or destructive thing, not necessarily limited to disease.
When "pestilence" appears as a crossword clue, solvers should consider both its literal meaning as an epidemic or deadly disease (leading to answers like PLAGUE or EPIDEMIC) and its figurative sense of a widespread affliction or nuisance (which might suggest SCOURGE or even PEST). The specific number of letters required will often guide you to the most appropriate synonym, making it crucial to have a versatile vocabulary.
Understanding the historical context and the various shades of meaning for "pestilence" can be key to unlocking such clues in crosswords. It's a word that evokes a sense of widespread suffering or trouble, whether from illness, social blight, or a natural disaster.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- **Count Your Letters Carefully:** Always confirm the exact number of letters your potential answer has. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down possibilities for clues like "pestilence."
- **Brainstorm Synonyms and Broader Meanings:** Don't get stuck on the most obvious definition. For "pestilence," think beyond just disease to concepts of widespread trouble, affliction, or nuisance.
- **Utilize Intersecting Clues:** If you have letters from clues that cross your target word, use them as checkpoints. They are invaluable for confirming or rejecting a potential answer.
- **Consider Historical and Literary Contexts:** Many crossword clues, especially those using words like "pestilence," can draw upon historical events, literary references, or biblical contexts where such terms are commonly used.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pestilence" mean in general terms?
In general terms, 'pestilence' refers to a fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague. More broadly, it can describe any widespread and troublesome or harmful thing.
How are clues like "pestilence" typically treated in crosswords?
Crossword clues like 'pestilence' usually require synonyms related to widespread disease, affliction, or a pervasive problem. Common answers include PLAGUE, EPIDEMIC, or even terms like SCOURGE, depending on the letter count and specific nuance.
Are there different types of "pestilence" that might appear in clues?
While often directly referring to a disease, 'pestilence' can also be used metaphorically in clues to describe any widespread and harmful influence, nuisance, or phenomenon. This can lead to answers like 'BLIGHT' or 'SCOURGE' that convey a sense of pervasive suffering or damage.