Epidemic
/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/
The city is battling a measles epidemic.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super-contagious flu spreading through your town. More than just a few people get sick; lots of people do. That's an epidemic! It's like when a popular video game suddenly everyone starts playing – it's a widespread trend, but with germs instead of games.
👶 For kids: When lots and lots of people get a sickness at the same time, that's an epidemic!
More Examples
Public health officials are tracking the spread of the epidemic.
The epidemic overwhelmed the hospitals.
How It's Used
"The influenza epidemic of 1918 killed millions worldwide."
"Health officials are working to contain the epidemic."
Affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region.
/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/
Affecting or tending to affect many persons simultaneously, and widely diffused.
The epidemic level of poverty in the region demands immediate action.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that's spreading like wildfire, but it's not just a fire; it's a problem or a feeling that's affecting lots and lots of people. Think of a trend that goes viral or a wave of something that everyone is experiencing. Like, a lot of people suddenly feeling sad at the same time – that's an epidemic of sadness.
👶 For kids: When something spreads really, really fast and lots of people get it, like a popular toy everyone wants, but it could be something not so good like being sad or having too much junk food
More Examples
The rise of social media has led to an epidemic of cyberbullying.
We are facing an epidemic of stress among students.
How It's Used
"There's an epidemic of loneliness in our society."
"The epidemic of misinformation spread rapidly."
Idioms & expressions
The epidemic of...
Used to describe a widespread problem.
"The epidemic of obesity is a serious health concern."
From Greek *epidēmios* (among the people), from *epi-* (upon) + *dēmos* (people). Originally referring to a disease prevalent among a people, it expanded to other phenomena.
Historically, the term was primarily used in medical contexts to describe widespread disease.
Memory tip
Think of 'epi' as 'upon' and 'demos' as 'people'. An epidemic is something 'upon' the people.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *epi-* + *dēmos*