C1noun 3K

Epidemic

UK //ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk// US //ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk// Pronunciation

Definition

A sudden, widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A serious outbreak of a disease that spreads quickly.

Examples

• The flu epidemic swept through the city last winter.
• Public health officials are concerned about the rapid rise of the obesity epidemic.
• The government implemented new measures to control the epidemic.
• Experts warned that an epidemic could emerge if vaccinations were not increased.
• This epidemic of misinformation poses a significant threat to public health.

Usage notes

Used primarily in medical contexts. May also refer to widespread problems, e.g. 'epidemic of crime.' Not suitable for informal settings.

Grammar pattern

countable noun

Memory hint

Think of 'epic' and 'demic' like an epic event involving many people getting sick.

Collocations

• control an epidemic
• epidemic outbreak
• epidemic curve

Synonyms

• outbreak
• plague
• scourge
• affliction

Antonyms

• health
• wellness

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'pandemic' which refers to a global scale.
• Often incorrectly used to describe non-disease outbreaks.
• Using it as an uncountable noun.