Definition

Noun: 1. An unwholesome or foreboding atmosphere or influence: A figurative cloud of something unpleasant, corrupting, or dangerous that seems to pervade a place or situation. 2. A noxious vapor or emanation, especially from decaying organic matter: An archaic or scientific term for a foul-smelling, unhealthy air, once thought to cause disease.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Atmosphere/Influence):
  • A miasm of corruption hung over the political establishment.
  • The report lifted the miasm of suspicion that had clouded the department for months.
  • She tried to escape the miasm of negativity in the office.
• Noun (Noxious Vapor):
  • In the 19th century, doctors believed malaria was caused by a miasm from swamps.
  • The cellar was filled with a damp miasm of rot and mildew.

Advanced Usage

• "to cast/emit a miasm of [something]": To project or create an atmosphere of something negative.
  • The scandal cast a miasm of distrust over the entire industry.
• "a miasma of": This is the far more common collocation. While "miasm" is the singular form, it is almost always used in the phrase "a miasma of [something]."
  • The room was filled with a miasma of cigar smoke and stale beer.

Variants and Related Words

• Miasma (n): The standard and much more frequently used form. It carries the same definitions as "miasm." "Miasm" is a less common variant.
• Miasmic (adj): Characteristic of or filled with a miasma.
  • The air in the tunnel was thick and miasmic.
• Miasmal (adj): Alternative adjective form, similar to "miasmic."

Synonyms

• Pall: A dark cloud or covering of something, often figurative.
• Gloom: A state of partial or total darkness; a feeling of sadness.
• Stench (for the vapor sense): A strong and very unpleasant smell.
• Effluvium: An unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge.

Related Phrases

• Cloud of [something negative]: A more common modern equivalent for the figurative sense.
  • A cloud of controversy followed the politician.
• Atmosphere of [something]: A neutral phrase that can be used for positive or negative influences.
  • An atmosphere of fear gripped the city.

Noun

1. unhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources
   • the miasma of the marshes
   • a miasma of cigar smoke
2. an unwholesome atmosphere
   • the novel spun a miasma of death and decay