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epidemic

Pronunciation: /ɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

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Definition of epidemic

noun

a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time:a flu epidemic
a sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon:an epidemic of violent crime

adjective

of the nature of an epidemic:shoplifting has reached epidemic proportionsCompare with endemic, pandemic, epizootic.

Origin:

early 17th century (as an adjective): from French épidémique, from épidémie, via late Latin from Greek epidēmia 'prevalence of disease', from epidēmios 'prevalent', from epi 'upon' + dēmos 'the people'