nounfemininepl: contagions
contágio
1. the transmission of disease from one person or organism to another by direct or indirect contact
The rapid spread of the virus was a result of contagion in crowded areas.
A rápida propagação do vírus foi resultado do contágio em áreas lotadas.
2. a disease spread by contagion; an infectious disease
Measles is a serious contagion that spreads quickly among unvaccinated children.
O sarampo é um contágio grave que se espalha rapidamente entre crianças não vacinadas.
3. the spreading of ideas, emotions, or behaviors from person to person
The emotional contagion in the room was palpable as everyone began to cry.
O contágio emocional na sala era palpável enquanto todos começavam a chorar.
4. harmful influence or effect that spreads
The financial crisis spread like contagion throughout the global economy.
A crise financeira se espalhou como contágio em toda a economia global.
The word 'contágio' is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese medical discourse and public health announcements, particularly prominent during pandemic discussions. In Portugal, the term is equally formal and standard. In American English, 'contagion' gained significant cultural prominence during COVID-19, becoming part of everyday vocabulary beyond medical contexts.
Related Idioms & Phrases
contagion effect - when one person's behavior or emotion triggers similar responses in others
social contagion - the spread of behaviors, emotions, or ideas through social networks
financial contagion - the rapid spread of economic crisis from one market to another
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