epidemic

ep-i-dem-ic · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

  2. 2.

    Of, relating to, or constituting an epidemic.

  3. 3.

    A sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon.

Forms

plural: epidemics

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    epidemic proportions — when something becomes so widespread it resembles an epidemic
  • •
    epidemic outbreak — the sudden occurrence of a disease affecting many people

Related words

Antonyms: endemic
See also: contagion, disease, outbreak, pandemic
Synonyms: contagion, outbreak, pandemic, plague

Etymology

From Greek epidemios ("prevalent among the people"), from epi ("upon, among") + demos ("people, district").