social disease

noun

1. a venereal disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of social disease¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

William Osler, often described as the father of modern medicine, put it like this: “Tuberculosis is a social disease with a medical aspect.”

From Salon

"But I also am aware that inflation is the most insidious of social diseases, and so it's important to try to get it down," he said.

From Reuters

Chess pieces just sort of materialize throughout the night; one couple plays chess, then another, then another, catching on like a dance craze or a social disease.

From Los Angeles Times

Antisemitism, like Anti-Arabism and racism, is a social disease that can be confronted only by us standing together, Syrian- and Israeli-sympathizing Americans alike.

From Washington Post

Fascism is a highly virulent social disease that usually destroys the host body – but not before spreading the disease to many other people.

From Salon