scourge

Definition

A person or thing that causes great suffering, misfortune, or wide-scale destruction.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'escorgier', meaning to whip or lash, which traces back to the Latin 'excorrigiare'. It originally referred to a whip used for punishment before evolving to describe any source of widespread affliction.

In the news

The author uses this term to highlight how the simultaneous decline in institutional trust and middle-class stability are inflicting severe, persistent damage on American democracy. These two factors are presented as critical threats that demand urgent attention.

The Patient Is America. Here's the Prescription.

Politico

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