perish
word
/ˈpɛɹɪʃ/
PAIR-ish
/pˈɛɹɪʃ/
PAIR-ish
Definition
To die, especially in a sudden, violent, or untimely way. It can also mean to be destroyed or cease to exist.
Usage & Nuances
"Perish" is formal or literary, not used in casual speech. Common in phrases like "perish in a fire" or "perish the thought" (meaning 'let's hope that doesn't happen'). It can refer to people, living things, or even abstract things like ideas or cultures.
Spanish: perecer - morir (formal)Portuguese (BR): perecer - morrer (formal)Portuguese (PT): perecer - morrer (formal)Chinese (Simplified): 死亡 - 灭亡Chinese (Traditional): 死亡 - 滅亡Hindi: मृत होना - समाप्त होना (औपचारिक)Arabic: يهلك - يموت (رسمي)Bengali: নষ্ট হয়ে যাওয়া - মারা যাওয়া (আকস্মিকভাবে)Russian: погибнуть - умереть (внезапно) - разрушитьсяJapanese: 滅びる - 死ぬ（悲劇的・突然の場合）Vietnamese: chết - diệt vong - bị hủy hoạiKorean: 죽다 (비극적으로) - 멸망하다Turkish: yok olmak - ölmek (ani ya da şiddetli bir şekilde)Urdu: ہلاک ہونا - فنا ہوناIndonesian: binasa - mati (secara tiba-tiba/tragis)
Example Sentences
Many plants perish without enough water.
basic
Thousands perished in the earthquake.
basic
Food will perish if not kept in a fridge.
basic
The idea of giving up never even entered my mind—perish the thought!
natural
If left in the sun too long, the flowers will perish quickly.
natural
Whole civilizations can perish through war and disease.
natural