Perish Meaning
/ˈpɛɹɪʃ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo decay and disappear; to waste away to nothing.
verbTo decay in such a way that it cannot be used for its original purpose
Sentence Examples
We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.
That whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
If a nuclear war were to break out, mankind would perish.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Without water and food, the stranded hikers will ____ within a few days.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Without water, most plants will ____ within a few days in hot and dry conditions.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English perishen, borrowed from Old French perir (via the stem periss- used in various conjugations), from Latin perīre (“pass away, perish”), from per (“through”) + īre (“pass, go”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The difficulty is that fresh foods perish due to the multiplication in them of harmful bacteria."
— 2015, Christopher Cumo, Foods that Changed History:
"When it goeth well with the righteous, the citie reioyceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 11:10:
"[…]the ship struck upon a sand, and […] the sea broke over her in such a manner that we expected we should all have perished immediately; and we were immediately driven into our close quarters, to shelter us from the very foam and spray of the sea."
— 1719 May 6 (Gregorian calendar), [Daniel Defoe], The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, […], London: […] W[illiam] Taylor […], →OCLC:
"that closeness did impair and a little perish his understanding"
— 1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Friendship”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC:
""Leggo my shou'der, I tell you! Leggo!" He struggled with her, and the customers came forward. "Chrise! I'll perish you, if you ain't careful!" He turned suddenly,..."
— 1898, William Pett Ridge, By Order of the Magistrate, page 209:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Without water and food, the stranded hikers will ____ within a few days.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Without water, most plants will ____ within a few days in hot and dry conditions.