plight
UK[plaɪt]US[plaɪt]
n
a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.
n
(archaic) a solemn pledge or promise.
Etymology
the modern word 'plight' is a fascinating convergence of two separate middle english terms. the first, from old english pliht meaning "danger, risk," evolved from proto-germanic plehtiz, related to the notion of being obligated or exposed to peril. the second, from old english plihtan meaning "to pledge," came from proto-germanic plihtijaną, meaning "to guarantee." these two streams, one a noun for a perilous condition and the other a verb for making a pledge, merged in middle english due to their identical sound and spelling. over time, the primary meaning settled on the sense of a difficult predicament, while the pledge sense became archaic, though it survives in the phrase "plight one's troth."
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. its modern meanings derive from two distinct middle english words that converged in spelling.
Examples
the documentary highlighted the plight of refugees fleeing the conflict.
many charities work to alleviate the plight of the homeless.
in his despair, he seemed unaware of the perilous plight he was in.