A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of individuals or things. In the case of the word "plague," it is typically associated with a devastating and contagious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis throughout history. While the word plague primarily refers to a specific illness, several examples exist where it is utilized as a collective noun to describe animals or other related subjects.
One example of a collective noun that incorporates the word "plague" is a "plague of rats." This phrase conjures the image of a large group of rats, often found infesting particular areas or wreaking havoc, especially in urban environments or places linked with overcrowding or poor sanitation. Plagues of rats can be serious issues due to their potential for spreading disease and causing damage to property.
Another example is a "plague of locusts." Locusts are insects that have a unique behavior that causes them to gather in swarms, particularly in response to specific conditions such as overcrowding. These swarms can be enormous and capable of causing severe damage to crops and vegetation as they voraciously consume everything in their path. Plagues of locusts have been significant and recurring agricultural issues in various parts of the world throughout history.
Additionally, the term "plague" has sometimes been extended metaphorically to describe non-living subjects. For instance, one might refer to a "plague of problems" or a "plague of obstacles" to denote a large and overwhelming quantity of difficulties or challenges confronting an individual or group.
In conclusion, while historically associated primarily with an infectious and deadly disease, the word "plague" can also be used as a collective noun to describe groups of animals, particularly rats or locusts, known for causing widespread damage. Furthermore, it can be extended metaphorically to describe collections of issues or hindrances an individual or group might face.
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A plague of locusts is a captivating collective noun phrase used to describe a rather unsettling and awe-inspiring phenomenon of nature. It refers to a large group or swarm of locusts that overtakes a particular area, causing widespread devastation and en...
Example sentence: A plague of locusts has descended upon the crops, devouring everything in its path
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Plague of rats is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that describes a large group of rats congregating together. Just uttering these words invokes a sense of distress and unease, as it paints a picture of a swarm of these disease-carrying rodent...
Example sentence: The village was infested with a plague of rats, scurrying through the streets and infiltrating every corner
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A plague of insects is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that refers to a large and overwhelming gathering of various insect species in a defined area or environment. It denotes a remarkable abundance and intensity of insect numbers, implying t...
Example sentence: A plague of insects descended upon the crops, devouring everything in its path
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A plague of mosquitoes is a collective noun phrase used to describe a large and overwhelming number of these tiny flying insects. The word plague implies an intense and alarming concentration, emphasizing the nuisance and potential health hazards associat...
Example sentence: A plague of mosquitoes descended upon the campground, tormenting the campers and ruining their evenings
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A plague of flies is a descriptive term used to represent a large group or gathering of flies. This collective noun phrase vividly captures the overwhelming, bothersome nature of these insects when they congregate in large numbers. When a plague of flies ...
Example sentence: A plague of flies descended upon the picnic, swarming the food and causing chaos
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A plague of cockroaches is a vivid and forceful phrase used to describe a large group or swarm of these hated insects. This collective noun phrase effectively captures the repulsion and sense of dread that cockroaches often evoke. A plague implies an over...
Example sentence: I was horrified when I saw a plague of cockroaches infesting my kitchen
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Plague of Weeds is a captivating collective noun phrase that vividly describes a group of weeds in a profound and evocative manner. Here, the word plague assumes a symbolic connotation, capturing the relentless and pervasive nature of the presence and pro...
Example sentence: As farmers struggled to control the spread of invasive plants, a plague of weeds overtook the once flourishing fields
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Plague of Mice is a vivid and intriguing collective noun phrase that pertains to a large group or gathering of mice. It immediately conjures up an image of numerous tiny creatures controlled by a common purpose. Plague refers to a sudden outbreak or rapid...
Example sentence: A plague of mice rampaged through the fields, leaving no crops untouched
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A plague of fleas is a descriptive collective noun phrase that vividly conveys an overwhelming and troublesome presence of fleas. Conjuring up images of swarm, infestation, and unease, this phrase represents a large or unnaturally dense population of thes...
Example sentence: During the summer, our backyard was infested with a plague of fleas, making it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities
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A plague of beetles is a collective noun phrase that vividly captures the overwhelming nature of a large gathering or infestation of beetles. As the term suggests, the collective noun plague instantly conjures images of a vast number of these small insect...
Example sentence: A plague of beetles swarmed the garden, destroying crops and causing havoc
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A plague of wasps refers to a group or swarm of wasps, a common collective noun phrase used to vividly describe a large gathering of these buzzing insects. The term plague is used metaphorically, emphasizing the sheer number, persistence, and potentially ...
Example sentence: During our picnic in the park, a plague of wasps suddenly descended upon us, causing everyone to scatter in fear
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A plague of ants is a captivating collective noun phrase used to describe a large grouping of ants. This description reflects the overwhelming number and activity of these tiny creatures when they act collectively as a community. The term plague instant...
Example sentence: A plague of ants marched across the kitchen floor, leaving behind trails of crumbs
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A plague of termites refers to a large group or swarm of these tiny, wood-devouring insects. These destructive creatures are known for their insatiable appetite for wood, which can cause extensive damage to structures, including homes, furniture, and tree...
Example sentence: A plague of termites has infested the old wooden beams in the house, causing significant damage
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A plague of worms is an evocative collective noun phrase used to describe a multitude or a large quantity of worms gathered together in one place. The word plague in this context adds a sense of overwhelming proliferation and abundance. This phrase paints...
Example sentence: A plague of worms emerged from the damp soil after the rainstorms
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A Plague of Bedbugs refers to a specific group of bedbugs that has infested a particular area. This collective noun phrase conjures images of a widespread and relentless invasion of these small, blood-sucking insects, causing anxiety and discomfort to any...
Example sentence: A plague of bedbugs has infested the entire building, causing a major nuisance for its occupants
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A plague of gnats is a vivid and evocative collective noun phrase that describes a large accumulation of tiny flying insects called gnats. It conjures an image of an intense and overwhelming infestation, akin to a pestilence or epidemic. The term emphasiz...
Example sentence: While enjoying a peaceful picnic in the park, a plague of gnats interrupted our meal, swarming around our heads and food
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A plague of spiders is a captivating collective noun phrase that incites visions of a creeping phenomenon. It refers to a large gathering or infestation of spiders, conjuring an eerie image of an overwhelming number of these eight-legged creatures. With p...
Example sentence: As we approached the abandoned house, a plague of spiders emerged from the dark corners, making our skin crawl
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A plague of grasshoppers is a vivid collective noun phrase used to describe a large group or swarm of grasshoppers. The term plague evokes a sense of overwhelming abundance or proliferation, indicating the sheer number, density, or intensity of these inse...
Example sentence: A plague of grasshoppers descended upon the fields, devouring crops in their path
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A 'plague of aphids' is a collective noun phrase often used in the context of agriculture or horticulture to describe a particularly large or destructive population of aphids. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects known for their feeding and reproductive ...
Example sentence: A plague of aphids descended upon the garden, devouring the leaves of every plant
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A plague of moths is a captivating and somewhat evocative collective noun phrase that refers to a large gathering, swarm, or infestation of these delicate winged insects. The term plague carries with it a sense of foreboding and destruction, adding depth ...
Example sentence: As night fell, a plague of moths descended upon the garden, creating an ethereal spectacle with their fluttering wings
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A plague of ticks refers to a large group or infestation of ticks. These small, blood-sucking arachnids are notorious for their ability to proliferate rapidly and cause discomfort, annoyance, and health issues for both humans and animals. When seen en mas...
Example sentence: A plague of ticks infested the woodland, causing great distress for the animals
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A Plague of Snakes is a collective noun phrase that evokes a vivid and eerie image of an overwhelming congregation of these legless creatures. Resembling a scene reminiscent of a nightmare, this phrasing delves into the fears and discomfort that humans tr...
Example sentence: A plague of snakes slithered through the dense forest, creating an eerie atmosphere
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A Plague of Vermin is a collective noun phrase referring to a large group or population of bothersome, destructive, or disease-carrying creatures. Vermin typically includes rodents, such as rats or mice, as well as other small, nuisance animals like cockr...
Example sentence: A plague of vermin descended upon the abandoned building, filling each nook and cranny with fear
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A plague of crows comprises a visually captivating scene where a large grouping of these intelligent and mischievous birds gathers together. This collective noun phrase conjures an image of ominousness and mystery, drawing attention to the unusual and som...
Example sentence: As I walked through the eerie forest, a plague of crows suddenly descended upon the trees, ominously cawing in unison
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A Plague of Jellyfish refers to a unique and captivating collective noun phrase used to describe a large gathering or grouping of jellyfish. Born from their incredible numbers and awe-inspiring displays, this phrase captures the imagination and brings to ...
Example sentence: A plague of jellyfish descended upon the tranquil beach, alarming both locals and tourists
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A plague of problems refers to a collective noun phrase used to express the notion of an overwhelming quantity or an incessant occurrence of difficulties and challenges. The term plague evokes the image of a severe epidemic that spreads uncontrollably, ca...
Example sentence: As the pandemic raged on, resulting in economic downturn and unemployment, businesses faced a plague of problems
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A Plague of Questions, as a collective noun phrase, refers to a large swarm or onslaught of questions. Just as a plague can cause chaos and disrupt normalcy, a Plague of Questions inundates a situation or individual with an overwhelming number of inquisit...
Example sentence: A plague of questions descended upon the audience as the speaker presented a perplexing topic
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A plague of doubts is a captivating and evocative collective noun phrase that implies a pervasive and overwhelming swarm of uncertainty and skepticism. It paints a vivid picture of a multitude of doubts encroaching upon an individual's mind or infiltratin...
Example sentence: The author's mind was consumed by a plague of doubts, making it impossible to put pen to paper
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A plague of fears is a striking and evocative collective noun phrase used to describe an overwhelming and pervasive manifestation of anxieties or distressing emotions that affect individuals or a community en masse. The term plague metaphorically suggests...
Example sentence: I couldn't sleep peacefully last night because a plague of fears flooded my mind, depriving me of any rest
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A Plague of Troubles refers to a cluster or group of difficulties, predicaments, or vexations that arise simultaneously or in close succession. The noun phrase plague indicates a sudden onslaught or overwhelming wave of troubles, not dissimilar to the des...
Example sentence: During this pandemic, the world has been confronted with a plague of troubles, ranging from economic downturns to mental health challenges
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Plague of Complaints is a fascinating collective noun phrase that encapsulates the sheer magnitude and intensity of people's grievances and discontent in a given situation. Just like the name suggests, it conjures up the image of a swarm of complaints, en...
Example sentence: The office seems to be inundated with a plague of complaints today, ranging from broken printers to delayed paychecks
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A Plague of Sins is a haunting and morally alarming collective noun phrase that paints a vivid portrait of sinful behavior overwhelming a particular group or society. It evokes a compelling imagery of a pervasive and unrelenting affliction that infects th...
Example sentence: As the pastor addressed the congregation, he warned of the Plague of Sins tormenting society
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A Plague of Mistakes is a unique and intriguing collective noun phrase that vividly captures the essence of a multitude of errors or blunders occurring simultaneously. Just like a swarm of insects that infest an area, this phrase paints a visual and metap...
Example sentence: The team's performance was abysmal, with a plague of mistakes seen in every aspect of the game
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A Plague of Bad Decisions is a striking collective noun phrase that vividly captures the concept of a group making a series of ill-advised choices, resulting in detrimental consequences. Its uncommon and metaphorical nature draws metaphorical connections ...
Example sentence: The company's recent downfall can be attributed to a plague of bad decisions made by its management team
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Plague of Failures is a compelling and evocative collective noun phrase that vividly encapsulates a distressing scenario plagued by a series of relentless, disappointments, shortfalls, or setbacks. Imbued with a sense of despair and frustration, this phra...
Example sentence: The company's poor decision-making led to a plague of failures in their product launches
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Plague of Lies is a uniquely evocative collective noun phrase that vividly captures the concept of a widespread and pernicious outbreak of falsehoods and deceit. Conjuring images of disease and pestilence, this phrase encapsulates the immense destructive ...
Example sentence: The Plague of Lies spreads like wildfire, engulfing the entire community in trepidation and mistrust
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A Plague of Discontent refers to a collective noun phrase that vividly captures the overwhelming sense of unrest and dissatisfaction within a group or community. Just like a contagious epidemic, this metaphorical plague spreads rapidly, infecting members ...
Example sentence: The Plague of Discontent spreads like wildfire, consuming hearts and minds wherever it goes
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A Plague of Bad Luck refers to a gathering or multitude of misfortunes that beset one's life, giving an image of these unfortunate events swarming and spreading like a plague. Just as a plague inflicts widespread harm and misery on a community, so too doe...
Example sentence: The team experienced a plague of bad luck during the championship game, making several costly mistakes and facing multiple injuries
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A plague of illness is a collective noun phrase used to describe a significant and overwhelming occurrence of various diseases or an onslaught of widespread sickness. The term plague carries a historical connotation, evoking images of pandemics or devasta...
Example sentence: A plague of illness descended upon the village, causing panic and fear among its residents
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Plague of Dishonesty is a captivating and evocative collective noun phrase that captures the essence and magnitude of deceit. It represents a metaphorical swarm or infestation of dishonesty that infiltrates and pollutes a society or a specific context. Ju...
Example sentence: A plague of dishonesty has tainted the integrity of the business world
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A Plague of Misfortune is a collective noun phrase used to depict a profound cluster of adversities or hardships that relentlessly afflicts individuals, situations, or societies. This aptly chosen terminology very evocatively conveys the overwhelming scal...
Example sentence: In the lives of the cranky old woman, a plague of misfortune seemed to follow her wherever she went
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Plague of Thieves is a gripping and enigmatic collective noun phrase that vividly depicts a horde or swarm of thieves united in pursuit of their nefarious activities. It embodies a dark and menacing atmosphere with an overtone of danger and clandestine sc...
Example sentence: A plague of thieves descended upon the unsuspecting village, causing mayhem and panic among the residents
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A Plague of Scandals is a compelling collective noun phrase that vividly captures the magnitude and overwhelming presence of scandals within a particular context or society. Evoking powerful imagery and connotation, this intriguing phrase signifies a seem...
Example sentence: The Plague of Scandals spread across the political landscape, tarnishing reputations and causing mistrust among the public
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Plague of Nightmares is a haunting and unsettling collective noun phrase that evokes a sense of extreme dread and terror. Derived from the word plague, which is typically associated with widespread destruction and suffering, and nightmares, which are inte...
Example sentence: A plague of nightmares haunted the town, leaving residents sleepless and terrified
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A Plague of Regrets refers to a haunting and overwhelming collection of remorseful emotions or memories. This collective noun phrase paints a vivid picture of the burdensome weight that regret can have on an individual or a group. Like a swarm of insects ...
Example sentence: Overwhelmed by their past mistakes, the group experienced a plague of regrets that filled their minds with endless anguish
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Plague of Disappointments is an evocative collective noun phrase that vividly captures the essence of a swarm of unsatisfactory experiences or occurrences that have infiltrated one's life. Just like a plague, this phrase engages the imagination with a sen...
Example sentence: The Plague of Disappointments haunted the company for months, as one setback after another hindered their progress
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A Plague of Injustices is an evocative and thought-provoking collective noun that aptly captures the severity and pervasive nature of social and moral wrongs that afflict individuals and societies. Just like a devastating contagion, this figurative plague...
Example sentence: A plague of injustices has befallen our nation, as systemic discrimination and inequality persist unabated
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A plague of fake news refers to a notable and widespread occurrence of false or misleading information that rapidly spreads within society, causing harm, confusion, and destabilization. Similar to a contagious disease, this collective noun emphasizes the ...
Example sentence: In recent years, there has been a plague of fake news spreading like wildfire, confusing and misleading people
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A plague of conspiracy theories is a gripping and unsettling collective noun phrase that refers to a pervasive and often overwhelming proliferation of unfounded beliefs and suspicions that exist within the realm of society. Like a plague that spreads from...
Example sentence: The online forums were bustling with a plague of conspiracy theories as people began speculating wildly about global events
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A Plague of Hesitations is a captivating collective noun phrase that metaphorically encompasses a group of individuals deeply afflicted by hesitations and indecisiveness. Similar to how a plague spreads and affects a myriad of individuals, this group comp...
Example sentence: The stage actor battled a plague of hesitations before delivering his lines with confidence
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