Epidemic

Definition

Epidemic refers to the rapid spread of a disease within a specific population or area over a particular period. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon, such as crime or addiction.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/
• Respelling: ep-i-DEM-ik

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/
• Respelling: ep-i-DEM-ik

The pronunciation of "epidemic" is consistent in both American and British English, with emphasis on the third syllable.

Etymology

The word "epidemic" comes from the Greek word "epidēmos," meaning "among the people." This term is derived from "epi-" meaning "upon" and "dēmos" meaning "people" or "population." It entered the English language in the early 17th century to describe the rapid spread of disease.

Derivatives

• Epidemiology (noun)
• Epidemiologist (noun)
• Epidemiological (adjective)
• Epidemicity (noun)
• Endemic (adjective/noun)

Synonyms

• Outbreak
• Pandemic
• Plague

Antonyms

• Endemic
• Sporadic
• Controlled

Usage

The word "epidemic" is commonly used in public health and medical contexts to describe the spread of infectious diseases. It is also used in a broader sense to refer to any sudden and widespread increase in a particular problem, such as an epidemic of violence or drug abuse.

Related Terms

• Pandemic: An epidemic that has spread over a large geographical area, often across countries or continents.
• Outbreak: A sudden rise in the incidence of a disease, typically within a specific area.
• Endemic: A disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A rapid spread of a disease affecting many individuals within a population: Refers to a significant increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific area or population.
  • Example: "The flu epidemic of 1918 affected millions of people worldwide."
• A sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon: Describes a rapid increase in occurrences of a particular problem, not necessarily related to disease.
  • Example: "The city is facing an epidemic of violent crime."

Adjective

• Relating to or of the nature of an epidemic: Used to describe something that spreads rapidly and widely within a population.
  • Example: "Epidemic diseases can have devastating effects on communities."