Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Contagion

//kənˈteɪd͡ʒən// noun

Definitions

Noun

1
A disease spread by contact. countable, uncountable
2
the communication of an attitude or emotional state among a number of people wordnet
3
The spread or transmission of such a disease. countable, uncountable
4
an incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted wordnet
5
The spread of anything likened to a contagious disease.; The passing on of manners or behaviour through a closed community or household. broadly, countable, figuratively, uncountable
"It is true, they were a good-natured and respectable set of servants, who had lived so long in their places that they might be said, by a happy contagion, to have caught kindly feelings from their superiors, and, having assisted in saving the lives of the young ladies, gave them an interest in their pleasures, and a real delight in seeing those fair young faces lighted up with joy."

Show 3 more definitions

6
any disease easily transmitted by contact wordnet
7
The spread of anything likened to a contagious disease.; The spread of (initially small) shocks, which initially affect only a few financial institutions or a particular region of an economy, to other financial sectors and other countries whose economies were previously healthy. broadly, countable, figuratively, uncountable
"And it was German procrastination that aggravated the Greek crisis and caused the contagion that turned it into an existential crisis for Europe."
8
A recession or crisis developed in such manner. countable, uncountable

Etymology

From Middle English (late 14th century), from Old French, from Latin contāgiō (“a touching, contact, contagion”) related to contingō (“touch closely”).

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: contagion