Perish Meaning and Definition
Perish
Pronunciation
/ˈpərɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To come to an end; to die; to decay; to become worthless or obsolete.
Examples
- The perished remains of the old civilization were all that was left.
- The company’s product perished due to the rise of new competition.
Synonyms
- Die
- Languish
- Decay
Antonyms
- Thrive
- Flourish
- Survive
Etymology
The word “perish” comes from the Old English word “periscan,” meaning “to fall or decay.”
Usage Notes
Perish is often used in a metaphorical sense, referring to the decline or decline of something, such as a relationship, a career, or a skill.
Cultural References
In the Bible, “perish” is used to describe the fate of those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their savior.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Perish the thought “
- “Perish from the earth “
Related Words or Phrases
- Obsolescence
- Irrelevance
- Euthanasia
Collocations
- Perish in peace
- Perish the thought of
- Perish from neglect
Frequency of Use
Perish is a somewhat formal word and is not used frequently in everyday conversation. It is often used in writing and poetry to convey a sense of decay or decline.
Common Misspellings
- Pearnish
- Perisch
- Persish