Dying or being destroyed; the process of coming to an end or ceasing to exist, often due to harsh conditions or decay.
From Old French 'perir' (to perish), from Latin 'perire' meaning 'to pass away' or 'to be destroyed,' combining 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'ire' (to go). The '-ing' suffix makes it a present participle showing ongoing action.
The word 'perish' contains the same root as 'perihelion' (when a comet gets closest to the sun)—both use 'per-' to mean 'thoroughly,' so perishing means 'going through thoroughly' or completely disappearing!
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