contagion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The spread of a disease from one person to another by close contact.

   Strict hygiene rules were introduced to prevent the contagion from spreading further.

2. 2
   noun

   The fast spread of an idea, feeling, or panic through a group of people.

   Fear spread through the crowd like a contagion.

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

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