What does perish mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛrɪʃ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To die or be destroyed, especially because of the lack of something necessary for life or survival. To spoil or decay.

Examples

• The plants will perish if they are not watered regularly.
• The food will perish if it is not refrigerated.

Synonyms

• Die
• Decay
• Ruin

Antonyms

• Survive
• Thrive
• Endure

Additional Information

To perish can refer to the death or destruction of living things, but it can also refer to the spoilage or decay of inanimate objects. For example, a car can perish from lack of maintenance, or a relationship can perish due to neglect.

In addition to its literal meaning, “perish” can also be used figuratively to describe the loss of something valuable or important. For example, a person’s reputation can perish if they are accused of something scandalous.

The word “perish” has a long history, dating back to the 14th century, and has been used in a variety of contexts throughout its evolution. It is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal writing and speech.

Eymology

The word “perish” comes from the Old French “perir”, meaning “to die” or “to be destroyed”. This word is derived from the Latin “perire”, which is also the source of the English word “peril”.

Usage Notes

When using the word “perish”, it is often paired with the preposition “from” to indicate the cause of the death or destruction. For example, “the plants will perish from lack of water”.

In formal or literary contexts, the word “perish” can be used in more elaborate or poetic phrases, such as “to perish in the flames of passion” or “to perish beneath the weight of sorrow”.

Cultural References

The word “perish” has been used in a variety of cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, the character of Juliet says “I will perish if I do not see my love again”.

In music, the word “perish” has been used in song titles and lyrics to describe a range of emotions and experiences, from love and loss to decay and destruction.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• ‘Perish the thought’: to dismiss an idea or suggestion as ridiculous or unpleasant.
• ‘To perish in the wilderness’: to be lost or stranded in a difficult or unfamiliar situation.

Related Words or Phrases

• Demise
• Ruin
• Decay

Collocations

• ‘To perish from hunger’
• ‘To perish in the fire’
• ‘To perish from disease’

Frequency of Use

The word “perish” is not as commonly used in modern language as some other words with similar meanings, such as “die” or “destroy”. However, it is still used regularly in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in literature and poetry.

Common Misspellings

• ‘Perich’
• ‘Prish’
• ‘Peresh’