What does perished mean?
“Perished” is a formal and literary past-tense verb meaning to die, particularly in a sudden, violent, tragic, or otherwise difficult manner. It can describe a person killed in battle, an animal dying from exposure or hunger, or a ship lost at sea. The word may also mean to be destroyed or ruined through decay, weather, conflict, or other damaging forces. Because it carries a strong sense of finality and often suggests misfortune, “perished” is more emotionally and dramatically charged than the neutral “died.” It remains common in historical writing, journalism, and formal descriptions of disasters, although many speakers use it chiefly for vivid or solemn effect. Its past-participle use can also appear before a noun, as in “a perished sailor,” especially in literary language.
To die, especially in a violent, sudden, tragic, or difficult manner; also, to be destroyed or ruined.
"The crew perished when the vessel sank in the storm."
More formal and dramatic than “died,” and often used with people, animals, vessels, or institutions affected by tragedy, hardship, or destruction.
Dead, destroyed, or lost; especially, dead in a tragic or violent manner.
"The poem memorializes the perished soldiers of the campaign."
Chiefly literary or historical; usually used before a noun and especially associated with a violent or tragic death.
A sudden and tragic death gave English one of its most memorable ways of saying that someone died.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perished come from?
The word comes from Old French perir, meaning “to perish” or “to destroy,” which was borrowed from Latin perire, “to destroy, ruin, or die.” English adopted the word in the Middle English period and developed its modern past form, “perished.” Related forms include “perishable,” which refers to something subject to decay, and “perishing,” which describes death or destruction.
Related word forms
How perished is actually used
“Perished” is more evocative than simply “died” and often suggests a sudden, violent, tragic, or difficult death. In literary and historical contexts, it can also be used for people, animals, ships, and institutions that have been destroyed or have ceased to exist.
Easily confused with perished
“Perished” is the past tense and past participle of “perish”; “perish” is the infinitive and present-tense form.
“Perished” describes something that has died or been destroyed, whereas “perishable” describes something liable to decay or spoil.