adj.
Pronunciation: -l ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pestilent-, pestilens pestilential, from pestis
Date: 14th century
1 : destructive of life : DEADLY
2 : injuring or endangering society : PERNICIOUS
3 : causing displeasure or annoyance
4 : INFECTIOUS , CONTAGIOUS <a pestilent disease>
– pes · ti · lent · ly adverb