blight

Etymology

Uncertain, however given that it was used at one point to refer to inflammation of the skin , quite possibly from Middle English *bleighte, *bleȝte, from Old English blǣcþa (“leprosy”) (related to Old English blǣċo (“paleness, leprosy”) and blǣċe (“an itching skin-disease”)); or from Old Norse blikna (“to grow pallid”). Distantly related to bleak.

noun

1. (phytopathology) A rapid and complete chlorosis, browning, then death of plant tissues such as leaves, branches, twigs, or floral organs.
   A blight in 1855–56 set back the industry, many plantations being ruined and then given over to sugar cane. After the blight had disappeared, the plantations were re-established, and prosperity continued for years. 1922, William H. Ukers, All About Coffee
2. The bacterium, virus or fungus that causes such a condition.
3. (by extension) Anything that impedes growth or development or spoils any other aspect of life.
   She moved about the country like a ghost, gathering herbs in dark loanings, lingering in kirkyairds, and casting a blight on innocent bairns. 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide

verb

1. (transitive) To affect with blight; to blast; to prevent the growth and fertility of.
2. (intransitive) To suffer blight.
   This vine never blights.
3. (transitive) To spoil, ruin, or destroy (something).
   Those obscene tattoos are going to blight your job prospects.
   Even he, cold and indifferent as he is, shall repent! I shall blight his hopes, as he has blighted mine. 1841, Catherine Sinclair, Modern Flirtations
   Before the Internet it was television. And, if not that, it was radio, films, or games. All have taken their turn as the popular bogeyman, blighting the minds of the young. 2013, Frances Booth, The Distraction Trap