Which of the following best defines 'pestilence'?

The term 'pestilence' is best defined as a fatal epidemic or disease, which specifically refers to a widespread and often fatal infectious illness that affects a large number of people in a given area. This definition captures the essence of the word, highlighting its association with significant, harmful health crises that can decimate populations. In the context of Oedipus Rex, pestilence resonates deeply as it symbolizes the plague afflicting Thebes, serving as a catalyst for the narrative and the protagonist's quest for truth and resolution. The play's exploration of this theme underscores the devastation wrought by such a disease, making option B the most accurate representation of what 'pestilence' entails.