# dysentery

/ˈdɪsənˌtɛɹi/ (US) · /dˈɪsəntəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dysentery
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a serious illness that causes very bad stomach pain and frequent, watery trips to the bathroom. It is usually caused by drinking dirty water or eating food that is not clean.

For teachers: an acute inflammation of the intestines, typically resulting in severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Often caused by bacterial or parasitic infection, it is common in areas with poor sanitation.

## Examples

- The travelers had to be careful to avoid dysentery.
- After the heavy rains washed away the village's water filters, a severe outbreak of dysentery spread through the community.
- Historical accounts of the expedition detail how dysentery and other waterborne diseases decimated the ranks of the soldiers before they even reached the capital.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.