Synonyms for

Blight

Verb / blaɪt / Another word for blight — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To spoil or damage something, especially by causing disease or decay.

Synonyms & similar words

plague decay rot ruin damage spoil infect corrupt contaminate taint pollute detract affect impair harm undermine weaken mar disfigure deface blemish

Synonyms by register

Formal

affliction plague scourge ruin

Informal

mess disaster wreck bane

Literary

bane scourge ruin withering

Antonyms

flourish thrive growth prosperity vitality health bloom

Common collocations

  • economic blight
  • urban blight
  • plant blight
  • blight on
  • blight the
  • blight of
  • blight the landscape

Word family

noun blight
verb blight

Usage note

Often used to describe something that spoils or damages something else, particularly in an agricultural or urban context. Can also refer to a disease affecting plants.

Example sentences

  1. The blight on the tomato plants killed most of them.
  2. The blight of poverty affects many families.
  3. The war blighted the lives of many soldiers.
  4. The pollution has blighted the beauty of the river.
  5. His criminal record blighted his chances of getting a job.

Quotes

  • The blight of racism will continue to tarnish our society until we confront it head-on.
  • The blight of poverty is a stain on our country's conscience.
  • The scourge of addiction has blighted many lives and families.

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