also: やくじん
noun
god of pestilence; deity who spreads infectious diseases
A deity in Japanese folk belief that brings epidemics. Often used in historical or mythological contexts. Compare with 疫病神 (やくびょうがみ), which is more common in modern language.
See also: 疫病神
昔、村人たちは疫神を鎮めるために祭りを行った。
Long ago, the villagers held a festival to appease the god of pestilence.
疫神は疱瘡やコレラなどの病気をもたらすと信じられていた。
The god of pestilence was believed to bring diseases like smallpox and cholera.
More common modern term for a bringer of bad luck or a jinx, often used figuratively. 疫神 is more strictly a mythological deity of epidemics.
Compound of 疫 (えき, 'epidemic') and 神 (じん, 'god'). The reading やくじん for 厄神 uses 厄 (やく, 'calamity') instead, reflecting a broader sense of misfortune.