Disease
/dɪˈziːz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism or part of an organism.
/dɪˈziːz/
A condition of the body or part of the body in which its functions are disrupted or deranged.
The disease spread rapidly throughout the village.
💡 Simply: Imagine your body is like a machine. A disease is like something that breaks the machine, making it not work right, like a cold or a stomach ache. You're not feeling 'at ease' because of it.
👶 For kids: When something makes your body feel sick, like a cold or a tummy ache, that's a disease!
More Examples
Early detection is key to treating many diseases.
She suffered from a chronic disease that affected her mobility.
How It's Used
"The doctor diagnosed him with a rare disease."
"Lack of proper hygiene can lead to disease."
A specific condition that affects a part or all of an organism, often associated with specific symptoms and causes.
/dɪˈziːz/
A specific destructive process of an organ or system.
Diabetes is a chronic disease.
💡 Simply: Think of it as the specific name for what is making you feel poorly - like the 'flu' or a 'broken bone'. It gives a name to the specific problem.
👶 For kids: A specific bad feeling, like a headache or a runny nose.
More Examples
The symptoms of the disease included fever and fatigue.
How It's Used
"The disease was caused by a bacterial infection."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
at ease
Free from worry, pain, or trouble.
"After the medication, the patient was finally at ease."
From Middle English *disease*, *desese*, from Old French *desaise* (“lack of ease, discomfort”), from *des-* (dis-) + *aise* (“ease”).
Historically, the word 'disease' has been used in both a literal and figurative sense, referring not only to physical ailments but also to societal problems or moral corruption.
Memory tip
Think of 'dis-ease' – a state where your body is not at ease.
Word Origin
"lack of ease, discomfort"