plague-spot

The old city quarter was considered a plague-spot of crime and decay.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spot or mark caused by plague: "plague-spot" refers to a visible blemish or lesion on the skin that is a symptom of the plague, a deadly infectious disease.
   • An area affected by plague: It can also mean a location or region that is infected with or suffering from an outbreak of plague.
   • Figurative: a source or symptom of moral corruption: In a metaphorical sense, "plague-spot" denotes something that causes or indicates moral decay, depravity, or societal deterioration.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The doctor examined the plague-spot on the patient's arm. (A visible skin lesion caused by plague.)
  • The city became a plague-spot during the epidemic. (An area heavily infected with the disease.)

• Figurative:

  • Greed is a plague-spot in modern society. (A source of moral corruption.)
  • His dishonesty was a plague-spot on an otherwise good reputation. (A symptom of moral decay.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a plague-spot on something": to be a destructive or corrupting influence.

  • The illegal gambling den was a plague-spot on the neighbourhood. (It brought moral and social harm to the community.)

• "to eradicate the plague-spot": to remove or eliminate the source of corruption or disease.

  • The government vowed to eradicate the plague-spot of corruption in the ministry. (To remove the cause of moral decay.)

Variants and Related Words

• Plague (n): a deadly infectious disease; also used figuratively for any widespread affliction or nuisance.

  • The plague killed millions in medieval Europe. (The disease.)
  • A plague of locusts destroyed the crops. (A large, destructive swarm.)

• Plague-ridden (adj): heavily affected by plague or corruption.

  • The plague-ridden town was quarantined. (Suffering from the disease.)

• Spot (n): a small mark or blemish; a particular place or location.

  • She noticed a spot of dirt on her shirt. (A small mark.)

Synonyms

• Blemish: a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance.
• Pustule: a small, pus-filled blister, often associated with disease.
• Blot: a stain or disgrace, often used figuratively.
• Canker: a destructive, spreading sore or source of corruption.

Phrasal Verbs

• (None directly associated with "plague-spot"; the word is typically used as a noun in fixed phrases.)

Related Idioms

• A plague on both your houses: an expression of frustration with both sides in a conflict.

  • The mediator said, "A plague on both your houses!" after the negotiations failed. (A curse or wish for misfortune on all parties.)

• To avoid something like the plague: to stay away from something completely due to fear or disgust.

  • She avoids gossip like the plague. (She stays far away from it.)