epidemic

[ep-i-dem-ik]

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.

noun

1. a temporary prevalence of a disease.

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

   an epidemic of riots.

epidemic

/ ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk /

adjective

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

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

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

epidemic

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epidemic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epidemic¹

C17: from French épidémique, via Late Latin from Greek epidēmia literally: among the people, from _epi- + dēmos people

Example Sentences

In a statement to The Times, Ladera’s legal team underscored that her case is not just about one individual, but about a wider epidemic of digital exploitation.

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Health and Human Services described as a “sweeping plan” to “reverse the failed policies that fueled America’s childhood chronic disease epidemic.”

From Los Angeles Times

They met as community activists in the 1970s, focused on issues such as the drug epidemic, police accountability and poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

But it is designed to make audiences want to step up and do something about the gun violence epidemic in America, which claims more children’s lives each year than any other cause.

From Los Angeles Times

In Russia, where people are prosecuted for critical comments or private messages, and a black market of personal data feeds an epidemic of scam calls, this is a real concern.

From BBC

Related Words

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