epidemic

[/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/]
noun, adjectivefemininepl: epidemias
epidemia
1. A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
The flu epidemic spread rapidly through the city last winter.
A epidemia de gripe se espalhou rapidamente pela cidade no inverno passado.
2. A rapid spread or sudden occurrence of something undesirable
There is an epidemic of cybercrime affecting businesses worldwide.
Há uma epidemia de crimes cibernéticos afetando empresas em todo o mundo.
3. Adjective: relating to or of the nature of an epidemic
The epidemic proportions of the disease alarmed health officials.
As proporções epidêmicas da doença alarmaram os funcionários de saúde.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'epidemic' is a serious term used in public health discourse. In Brazil, epidemias are regularly monitored by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) and the Ministry of Health. During COVID-19, the term became ubiquitous in media and everyday conversation in both countries. The word carries both literal (disease) and figurative (social problems) meanings, making it common in discussions about crime, violence, or drug abuse.
NYC Slang
outbreak, bug going around
Synonyms / Sinônimos
outbreakplaguepandemicdisease outbreakcontagion
Antonyms / Antônimos
endemicsporadicisolated case

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
epidemia
Standard term used in medical and news contexts
São Paulo
epidemia
Standard usage; often used in public health announcements
Rio de Janeiro
epidemia
Standard usage; frequently heard in health bulletins
Portugal
epidemia
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; standard medical terminology

Related Words

pandemicendemiccontagiousinfectiousoutbreakquarantinevaccinationepidemiology

Related Idioms & Phrases

reach epidemic proportions
epidemic of violence
health epidemic
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