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. Compare pandemic ( def 1 ).
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

/ 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

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.

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈdemically, adverb

Other Words From

• ep·i·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• ep·i·de·mic·i·ty [ep-i-d, uh, -, mis, -i-tee], noun
• in·ter·ep·i·dem·ic adjective
• pre·ep·i·dem·ic noun adjective

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

After the first documented epidemic outbreak between 1955 and 1956, more than 50 years passed before researchers began to study the disease in depth.

From Science Daily

"Addressing these factors through tailored interventions could help combat the growing U.S. alcohol mortality epidemic," said Kitsantas.

From Science Daily

On News Nation on 1 November, Kennedy said his goal was “to end the chronic disease epidemic in this country,” including measurable reductions in illness “in our children within 2 years.”

From Science Magazine

"Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!"

From Salon

Dr. Gary Slutkin is an epidemiologist formerly with the World Health Organization, where he founded the Intervention Unit, which designed innovations in epidemic control.

From Salon

Related Words

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