Epidemic

Alternative forms

• epidemick obsolete

Origin

From French épidémique, from épidémie, from Latin epidemia, from Ancient Greek ἐπιδήμιος, from ἐπί (epi, "upon") + δῆμος (dēmos, "people").

Full definition of epidemic

Noun

1. A widespread disease that affects many individuals in a population.
2. (epidemiology) An occurrence of a disease or disorder in a population at a frequency higher than that expected in a given time period.

Antonyms

• endemic

Adjective

1. Like or having to do with an epidemic; widespreadEpidemic hysteria occurred upon the incumbent’s reelection.
• 2003, James C. Howell, Preventing & Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Comprehensive Framework, SAGE Publications, ISBN 978-0-7619-2509-5, page 19:This proportion increased about 5% from 1988 to 1992—hardly a change of epidemic proportions.

Antonyms

• endemic

Related terms

• pandemic

Anagrams

• midpiece