Pestilence

Pestilence refers to a deadly disease that spreads rapidly and affects many people, often causing widespread fear and disruption. Historically, it has been associated with infectious diseases like the Black Death, which led to millions of deaths in the 14th century. The term can be used more broadly to describe any epidemic or significant outbreak of illness that harms a large population. Pestilence emphasizes not only the disease itself but also its impact on society, including health care systems and economies, as communities strive to control and overcome the outbreak.