English · Word Candidate

epidemic

/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: epidemics

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A widespread disease that affects many humans in a population.

Noun

Examples

At that time, the city [Christiania, now Oslo] was in the grip of a cholera epidemic, and victims were dying at the rate of 60 a day. Bradshaw contracted the disease, and died on September 6 [1853].

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An occurrence of a disease or disorder in a human population at a frequency higher than that expected in a given time period; an episode of outbreak and subsequent high prevalence.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of, related to, or being an epidemic: a widespread outbreak of disease in humans.

Adjective

Examples

The tetany that was epidemic among slaved children was actually the result of severe calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D deficiency caused by chronic malnutrition.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Like an epidemic: widespread in a bad way.

Adjective

Examples

Epidemic hysteria occurred upon the incumbent’s reelection.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “epidemic” mean?

A widespread disease that affects many humans in a population.

Is “epidemic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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