Pronunciation: /dɪsˈtɛmpər/

Definitions of distemper

noun a viral disease affecting animals, especially dogs

Example Sentences

A1 The veterinarian diagnosed the dog with distemper.

A2 Distemper is a contagious viral disease that affects animals.

B1 The outbreak of distemper in the area caused concern among pet owners.

B2 The shelter implemented strict protocols to prevent the spread of distemper among the rescued animals.

C1 Research is being conducted to develop a more effective vaccine against distemper.

C2 The government issued a warning about the potential distemper outbreak and advised pet owners to vaccinate their animals.

verb to cause to become sick or disordered

Example Sentences

A1 The paint on the wall began to distemper after a few months.

A2 The old building's walls were distempering due to neglect.

B1 The lack of maintenance caused the wooden fence to distemper.

B2 The artist used a special technique to intentionally distemper the canvas for a unique effect.

C1 The political unrest in the country has started to distemper the economy.

C2 The controversial decision by the government has distempered the public opinion.

Examples of distemper in a Sentence

formal The veterinarian diagnosed the dog with distemper.

informal My neighbor's puppy got distemper and had to stay at the animal hospital.

slang I heard distemper is going around the neighborhood, so make sure to keep your pets vaccinated.

figurative The political unrest in the country is like a distemper spreading among the population.

Grammatical Forms of distemper

past tense

distempered

plural

distempers

comparative

more distempered

superlative

most distempered

present tense

distemper

future tense

will distemper

perfect tense

have distempered

continuous tense

is distempering

singular

distemper

positive degree

distemper

infinitive

distemper

gerund

distempering

participle

distempered

Origin and Evolution of distemper

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'distemper' originated from the Latin word 'distemperare', meaning to disturb or derange.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 13th century to refer to a disturbance or derangement of the mind or body, the word 'distemper' evolved over time to also describe a disease affecting animals, particularly dogs. In modern usage, 'distemper' can refer to a state of unrest or disorder, as well as a type of paint or a method of painting.