Meaning & Definition of Epidemic in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A rapid spread of disease affecting many individuals at the same time.

  Example Sentence: The flu epidemic last winter affected thousands of people across the country.

• Definition: A situation in which a particular problem has grown to a very high level.

  Example Sentence: There is an epidemic of obesity in many developed countries.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from the Greek 'epidemios' meaning 'upon the people'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: epidemia

• French: épidémie

• German: Epidemie

• Russian: эпидемия

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of epidemic

• 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.