English Dictionary
Definition of “plight”
1plight1 (plaɪt
)
Definitions
noun
- a condition of extreme hardship, danger, etc
Word Origin
C14 plit, from Old French pleit fold, plait; probably influenced by Old English pliht peril, plight²
Synonyms
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difficulty,
condition,
state,
situation,
trouble,
circumstances,
dilemma,
straits,
predicament,
extremity,
perplexity,
2plight2 (plaɪt)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to give or pledge (one's word) ⇒
he plighted his word to attempt it
- to promise formally or pledge (allegiance, support, etc) ⇒
to plight aid
- See plight one's troth
noun
- archaic or dialect a solemn promise, esp of engagement; pledge
Alternative Forms
ˈplighter noun Word Origin
Old English pliht peril; related to Old High German, German Pflicht duty
Synonyms
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promise,
contract,
propose,
guarantee,
engage,
pledge,
vow,
swear,
covenant,
vouch,
Usage examples
Bessie's emaciated appearance wasn't the only pitiful aspect of her plight.
Mosco, Maisie, Out of the Ashes (1989)The rest of the world seems to have taken a less sympathetic view of Keane's plight.
Spiked (2002)A particularly striking example of the lethargy of Vatican departments is the plight of the nuns abused by priests in Africa.
Irish Times (2002)Mrs Bush, increasingly vocal about the plight of women in Afghanistan, met 11 exiled Afghan women at the White House.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Yet the feast was winding to its end at last, with many a hoot and jibe about the penniless Frenchmen's plight.
O'Brian, Patrick, The Thirteen Gun Salute (1989)
