Meaning & Definition of word "Epidemic"

Epidemic

/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

1. A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
- Example: The city is struggling to contain the flu epidemic that has spread rapidly among the residents.
2. A sudden, rapid increase in the incidence of a disease above what is normally expected.
- Example: Experts warned that the rising cases of obesity among children may be classified as an epidemic.
3. A situation in which a particular issue or phenomenon becomes widespread.
- Example: The epidemic of misinformation on social media poses a significant challenge to public discourse.

1. Relating to or of the nature of an epidemic.
- Example: The government has launched an epidemic response plan to address the crisis.
2. Occurring in or affecting a large number of individuals within a particular population or geographic area.
- Example: The epidemic rise in mental health issues during the pandemic has concerned healthcare professionals.

●Derived from the Greek 'epidemios' meaning 'upon the people'.

epidemic of violence:

A sudden increase in violent behavior in a community.

epidemic proportions:

Describing something that has reached a level of serious concern, often related to disease.

pandemic:

An epidemic that has spread across a larger geographic area, often worldwide.

outbreak:

The sudden occurrence of a disease in a particular time and place.

Meaning: An unexpected surge in a negative trend.

● Example Sentence: There's an epidemic of bad manners at the theater lately.

Meaning: A widespread fashion or trend that isn't necessarily positive.

● Example Sentence: The viral dance challenge reached epidemic status on social media.