nocebant

Nocebant is a Latin verb meaning "they were harming" or "they were injuring." It is the third-person plural imperfect active indicative form of the verb nocēre. This verb describes an ongoing action or state of being in the past.

The root nocēre is related to the English word "noxious," meaning harmful or poisonous. Therefore, "nocebant" conveys the idea of something or someone actively causing damage or detriment over a period of time. For instance, a sentence might read "Malae cogitationes nocebant ei," which translates to "Evil thoughts were harming him."

In classical literature, the imperfect tense is often used to set a scene or describe habitual actions. Thus, "nocebant" could be used to portray a persistent threat, a recurring illness, or a group of individuals engaged in continuous destructive behavior. Understanding the nuances of Latin verb conjugations like "nocebant" is crucial for accurate interpretation of ancient texts.