B2nounhealthsociety
US/ˌep.ɪˈdem.ɪk/
UK/ˌep.ɪˈdem.ɪk/
a sudden spread of a disease, or a bad problem, among many people in one area
In context
A flu epidemic closed schools across the region last winter.
Doctors warned that the disease could become an epidemic within weeks.
Many countries now face an obesity epidemic among children.
Words that go with epidemic
noun + noun
- flu epidemicThe flu epidemic hit the city hard.
- obesity epidemicThe obesity epidemic costs billions every year.
noun + preposition
- epidemic ofThere is an epidemic of loneliness among young people.
verb + noun
- contain an epidemicQuick action helped contain the epidemic.
- prevent an epidemicVaccines can prevent an epidemic.
adjective + noun
- deadly epidemicThe deadly epidemic killed thousands.