B2noun5K

AIDS

UK /["/eɪdz/"]/US /["/eɪdz/"]/

Definition

a serious illness caused by a virus called HIV that attacks the body’s ability to resist infection (the abbreviation for ‘Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome’)

In simple words: A serious illness caused by a virus that weakens the body's ability to fight infections.

Examples

  • the **AIDS epidemic**
  • to fight/eradicate/combat AIDS
  • people who have battled and survived AIDS
  • AIDS research/education
  • She died of an AIDs-related illness at the age of 54.
  • Six cases of AIDS have been reported.
  • Substantial progress has been made in the fight against Aids.
  • a worldwide campaign to prevent the spread of AIDS
  • people fighting AIDS
  • Five years after contracting HIV he developed full-blown AIDS.

Usage notes

Used in medical and health contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless relevant. Can be sensitive, so be mindful of the audience and context.

Grammar pattern

AIDS + affect + object

Memory hint

Think of 'AIDS' as an 'A'-ttack on your immune 'I'-mmunity, leading to 'D'-isease.

Collocations

  • full-blown
  • case
  • be infected with
  • fight
  • have
  • patient
  • sufferer
  • victim
  • the spread of AIDS

Synonyms

  • HIV/AIDS
  • immunodeficiency syndrome
  • viral infection

Antonyms

  • health
  • wellness
  • immunity

Common mistakes

  • Confusing AIDS with HIV; HIV is the virus, AIDS is the condition.
  • Using 'AIDS' in a joking manner, which can be offensive.
  • Neglecting to capitalize it, as it's an acronym.