Epidemic

Pronunciation: /ˌɛpəˈdɛmɪk/

Epidemic (noun)

  1. A situation where many people in an area get sick from the same disease quickly.
  2. A rapid increase in the number of cases of a disease in a community.
  3. A sudden increase in something harmful or unwanted, like crime or addiction.

Examples

  • An epidemic can affect many people in a short time.
  • The community worked together to combat the epidemic.

Synonyms of Epidemic

Formal

Neutral

Antonyms of Epidemic

  • — When a disease is under control.
  • — When a disease is restricted to a small area.