Words / C1

ep-i-DEM-ik/ˌepɪˈdemɪk/

An epidemic is a large number of cases of a disease in a community at one time: a flu epidemic, epidemic levels of measles. Outbreak is everyday and can be smaller; pandemic is worldwide; plague is historical or rhetorical. Epidemic is also an adjective (epidemic proportions). In speech, a widespread outbreak is enough. Metaphor (an epidemic of theft) is common in journalism. Keep the disease sense clear unless you signal the metaphor; do not use epidemic for a handful of cases.

Meaning

A large number of cases of a disease in a community at one time.

Examples

• “The city faced a flu epidemic.”
• “The city faced a flu epidemic in January; the school switched to staggered breaks.”
• “Calling three late essays an epidemic is rhetoric, not public health.”

Good to know

A widespread outbreak of disease in a community. Everyday: outbreak (can be smaller). Contrast: pandemic (worldwide). Also a journalistic metaphor.

Near in meaning

outbreak

New