sickness

Definition

The quality or state of being sick or diseased; illness.

Etymology

From Middle English sikness, from Old English sēocnes. By surface analysis, sick + -ness.

Example Sentences

• "I do lament the sickness of the king."
• "18th century, Alexander Pope, Epistle to Miss Blount Trust not too much your now resistless charms; Those, age or sickness soon or late disarms."
• "Sickness is a dangerous indulgence at my time of life."