What does miasma mean?
A miasma is an unpleasant, pervasive atmosphere or influence that seems to spread through a place, group, or situation. Figuratively, it often suggests a morally tainted or emotionally oppressive environment, as in “a miasma of suspicion,” and its force comes from the idea that the influence is diffuse and difficult to pin down. In older literal usage, a miasma was a noxious vapor or polluted air, sometimes believed to cause disease. Today, the word is most often used metaphorically in literature, journalism, and formal commentary. Related adjectives include miasmal and miasmatic. Although the expression can sound old-fashioned, it remains vivid because it presents an invisible social or psychological condition as something tangible, stale, and almost breathed in.
nounA pervasive, often unpleasant atmosphere or influence, especially one that is difficult to identify or escape. In older literal usage, it refers to a noxious or polluting vapor.
- A pervasive, often unpleasant atmosphere or influence, especially one surrounding a person, place, or situation.
- A morally or intellectually corruptive atmosphere or influence.
- An noxious or polluting vapor, especially one associated with disease or decay; now chiefly historical or literary.
"A miasma of suspicion hung over the office after the scandal."
"The old kitchen was filled with a miasma of damp and stale air."
"She hoped the fresh air would clear the miasma of anxiety that had settled over the town."
"The report described the tunnels as filled with a poisonous miasma."
The plural miasmata is also found, but miasmas is the standard modern plural.
"The abandoned houses released miasmas into the narrow street."
The word comes from Greek for “pollution,” and its history is tied to the old belief that unhealthy air could cause disease.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miasma come from?
Miasma comes through Latin from Greek miasma, meaning “pollution” or “defilement,” related to the Greek verb miainein, “to pollute” or “defile.” The English word initially referred to a poisonous or unhealthy vapor, especially one associated with disease. Its figurative use developed from that literal sense, applying the image of contaminating air to an atmosphere of corruption, anxiety, or moral decay.
Related word forms
How miasma is actually used
The figurative sense is literary and somewhat formal, conveying an atmosphere that is diffuse, oppressive, and often difficult to name precisely. The literal sense is now uncommon and usually appears in historical, literary, or medical contexts.