epidemic
US /ˌep.əˈdem.ɪk/
UK /ˌep.əˈdem.ɪk/
1.
a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
:
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The city is facing an epidemic of flu cases.
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Measures were taken to control the cholera epidemic.
2.
a rapid spread or growth of something undesirable
:
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There's an epidemic of obesity in many developed countries.
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The rise in cyberbullying has become an epidemic among teenagers.
1.
of the nature of an epidemic; widespread
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The problem has reached epidemic proportions.
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Drug abuse is becoming an epidemic issue in society.