Blighted is a term that is often used to describe something that has been damaged or ruined. It is a word that is commonly used in the context of agriculture, but it can also be used to describe anything that has been affected by disease, decay, or neglect. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the word blighted, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term blighted can be defined as something that has been damaged or ruined. It can also refer to a plant or crop that has been affected by disease or pests, causing it to wither and die. In some cases, the term can also be used to describe a person or community that has been negatively impacted by poverty, crime, or other social issues.
Origin
The word blighted has its origins in the Old English word blǣd, which means “prosperity” or “good fortune.” Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include the idea of something that has been damaged or ruined, and it became associated with agriculture and the effects of disease and pests on crops.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blighted means “damaged, destroyed, or impaired by or as if by a blight.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines blighted as “affected with blight; decayed, withered, or otherwise injured.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes blighted as “damaged, spoiled, or ruined.”
Associations
The term blighted is often associated with agriculture and the effects of disease and pests on crops. It is also commonly used in the context of urban decay and the negative impact of poverty, crime, and other social issues on communities.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of blighted include damaged, ruined, destroyed, withered, decayed, spoiled, and diseased.
Antonyms
Antonyms of blighted include flourishing, thriving, prosperous, healthy, and vibrant.
The same root words
The word blight has the same root as blighted, and it refers to a plant disease caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Other words with the same root include blighty, which is a British slang term for a place that is warm and sunny, and blighter, which is a derogatory term for a person who causes trouble or annoyance.
Example Sentences
- The blighted crops were a result of the infestation of pests.
- The blighted neighborhood was filled with abandoned buildings and crime.
- The blighted tree was withered and covered in fungus.
- The blighted economy of the town was a result of the closure of the factory.
- The blighted community was in need of support and resources to overcome poverty and crime.