Definition

Causing annoyance or harm, often related to disease or moral corruption.

Example

The pestiferous weeds spread quickly and choked the life out of the garden.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new restaurant in town?

Yeah, I heard it's really good, but some say it has a pestiferous reputation.

That's surprising! I thought it was supposed to be the next big thing.

Maybe we should try it and see if the rumors are true.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pestiferous → It is formed from "pestis" (meaning plague or pestilence) and "ferre" (meaning to bear or carry). The word describes something that carries or brings disease or harm, hence, pestiferous refers to something harmful or infectious.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'carries' ('ferre') a 'plague' ('pestis') — that's why pestiferous means harmful or infectious.

Visually Confused Words