scourge

1. N-COUNT A scourge is something that causes a lot of trouble or suffering to a group of people. 灾难[oft N 'of' n]

...the best chance in 20 years to end the scourge of terrorism. …20年来结束恐怖主义灾难的最佳机会。

2. V-T If something scourges a place or group of people, it causes great pain and suffering to people. 折磨

Economic anarchy scourged the post-war world. 经济混乱蹂躏战后世界。