epidemic

American  

[ep-i-dem-ik] / ˌɛp ɪˈdɛm ɪk /

adjective

1. Also epidemical (of a disease) affecting many persons at the same time, and spreading from person to person in a locality where the disease is not permanently prevalent.

2. extremely prevalent; widespread.

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noun

1. a temporary prevalence of a disease.

2. a rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something.

   an epidemic of riots.

epidemic British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of a disease) attacking or affecting many persons simultaneously in a community or area

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noun

1. a widespread occurrence of a disease

   an influenza epidemic

2. a rapid development, spread, or growth of something, esp something unpleasant

   an epidemic of strikes

epidemic Scientific  

/ ĕp′ĭ-dĕm′ĭk /

1. An outbreak of a disease or illness that spreads rapidly among individuals in an area or population at the same time.

2. See also endemic pandemic

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epidemic Cultural  

1. A contagious disease that spreads rapidly and widely among the population in an area. Immunization and quarantine are two of the methods used to control an epidemic.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• interepidemic
  adjective
• epidemicity
  noun
• epidemically
  adverb
• preepidemic
  noun

Etymology

Origin of epidemic

First recorded in 1595–1605; obsolete epidem(y) (from Late Latin epidēmia, from Greek epidēmía “staying in one place, among the people,” equivalent to epi- epi- + dêm(os) “people of a district” + -ia -y ³ ) + -ic

Explanation

An epidemic is a disease that spreads rapidly among many people in a community at the same time. In the 1980s, the fast-spreading AIDS epidemic transformed life on our planet. Epidemic can be used figuratively to refer to something that spreads or grows rapidly: an epidemic of laziness has taken over the tenth grade. This word is from French épidémique, ultimately from Greek epidēmia "staying in one place, among the people." The related word pandemic refers to a disease that spreads throughout an entire country or throughout the world.

Example Sentences

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is providing funding to each group, said "every day counts".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has pledged up to $54.3 million for the vaccine’s development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“State and local public health departments are decimated resource-wise,” said Lurie, who is now an executive director at an international organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2024

At the time, Besser was an officer for the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service program, or EIS, a two-year postdoctoral fellowship that provides training in investigating disease outbreaks and other public health threats.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2024

In addition to the treatment recommended in article Malignant Epidemic, the following injection may be substituted for the one prescribed under that head:— Powdered charcoal, a tea-cupful.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

Related Words

• contagion
• outbreak
• pest
• plague
• rash
• scourge
• spread
• wave