Definition of "blight" in English

noun

1. A diseased condition suffered by a plant; specifically, a complete and rapid chlorosis, browning, then death of plant tissues such as floral organs, leaves, branches, or twigs, especially one caused by a fungus; a mildew, a rust, a smut.

2. The cause of such a condition, often unseen but believed to be airborne; specifically, a bacterium, a virus, or (especially) a fungus; also, an aphid which attacks fruit trees.

3. A state of cloudy, humid weather.

4. A diseased condition of the face or skin; specifically, bleeding under the conjunctiva of the eye, a form of skin rash, or a palsy of the face due to cold.

5. Something that impedes development or growth, or spoils any other aspect of life.

6. A rundown and unsightly condition of an urban area; also, such an area.

verb

1. To affect the fertility or growth of (a plant) with a blight (noun noun, sense 1.1), especially one caused by a fungus; to blast, to mildew, to smut.

2. To affect (a body part) with a disease.

3. To impede the development or growth of (an aspect of life); to damage, to ruin, to spoil.

   • Those obscene tattoos are going to blight your job prospects.

4. (intransitive) Of a plant: to suffer blight (noun noun, sense 1.1).

   • This vine never blights.