epidemic
An epidemic is when many people get sick with the same illness at the same time. It's like a big wave of sickness that spreads quickly.
When we talk about an epidemic, it usually means that there are more cases of a particular disease than usual in a certain area or population. For example, if a flu outbreak hits your city, and suddenly everyone is talking about how many people are getting the flu, that's an epidemic. The government might even issue warnings or take measures to stop the spread of the illness. Sometimes, epidemics can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agents.
How common is "epidemic"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
A widespread disease that affects many individuals in a population.
adjective
Like or having to do with an epidemic; widespread
Example: Epidemic hysteria occurred upon the incumbent’s reelection.
Real examples of "epidemics" in context
