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Contagions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contagions

[kษ™nหˆteษชdส’ษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

disease transmission

Contagions are infectious diseases that can be spread from person to person, typically through direct contact or airborne particles.

Synonyms

diseases, illnesses, infections.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contagions

This word refers to diseases that are easily spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact. Often used in discussions about the transmission of diseases.

  • Health officials are working to control the spread of contagions in the crowded city.
  • The doctor warned about the risk of contagions in public places.
infections

Refers to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. Often used when discussing the cause or result of diseases.

  • Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
  • The hospital is taking measures to prevent infections among patients.
diseases

General term for any condition that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • Doctors are trying to find a cure for many chronic diseases.
  • The outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases has hit the region hard.
illnesses

A general term for any condition that causes poor health, often used in a more personal or less formal context.

  • She missed school due to multiple illnesses over the winter.
  • Families are struggling with the medical expenses of serious illnesses.

Examples of usage

  • The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious diseases.
  • Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of contagions.
Context #2 | Noun

negative influence

Contagions can also refer to negative influences or behaviors that can spread among a group of people, such as rumors or fear.

Synonyms

negative influences, spreadable behaviors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contagions

This term is used primarily in medical or epidemiological contexts to describe diseases that can spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact.

  • During the flu season, contagions can spread rapidly in crowded places like schools and offices.
  • Health officials are working to control the contagions spreading in the community.
negative influences

This term is used in social or psychological contexts to describe behaviors, attitudes, or forces that can have a detrimental effect on individuals or communities.

  • Peer pressure can be a negative influence on teenagers, leading them to make poor choices.
  • Negative influences in the workplace can affect productivity and morale.
spreadable behaviors

Often used in social psychology, this term describes actions or habits that can be imitated and proliferated within a group or society.

  • Good manners can become spreadable behaviors if consistently practiced and encouraged.
  • Toxic gossip is an example of a spreadable behavior that can harm relationships.

Examples of usage

  • Gossip can be a contagion that spreads quickly through a community.
  • Fear can act as a contagion, affecting the emotions of those around you.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'contagion' comes from the Latin word 'contagiosus', which means 'touching or seizing together'.
  • Contagion has been studied since ancient times. The Black Death in the 14th century led to increased awareness of how diseases spread.
  • In the 19th century, scientists began to establish the germ theory, linking the ideas of contagion to specific microorganisms causing diseases.

Public Health

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes protocols to control the spread of contagions, especially during outbreaks.
  • Vaccination campaigns are a vital tool in preventing contagions, aiming to create herd immunity in populations.
  • Quarantine measures, which isolate those infected, have been used throughout history to contain contagions during epidemics.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Contagion' (2011) raised awareness about the potential of global pandemics and how quickly contagions can spread.
  • In literature, contagion is often used as a metaphor for the spread of ideas or social behaviors, reflecting on societal fears.
  • Video games often explore contagion themes, requiring players to contain or combat infectious outbreaks within fictional worlds.

Science

  • Several viruses and bacteria are known for their high contagion rates, such as measles, which can infect 90% of susceptible people in a group.
  • Research in virology examines how contagions mutate, making some more infectious over time, and helping scientists develop targeted treatments.
  • The R0 (basic reproduction number) quantifies how contagious a disease is, impacting how public health decisions are made during outbreaks.

Psychology

  • Emotional contagion reflects how people can mimic each other's feelings, similar to how physical contagions spread.
  • Social scientists study how fear of contagions can lead to stigma and discrimination against certain groups during outbreaks.
  • Awareness of contagion can influence behavior, leading to increased hygiene practices like hand washing and wearing masks in public spaces.

Origin of 'contagions'

The word 'contagion' originated from the Latin word 'contagio', which means 'touching' or 'contact'. It has been used for centuries to describe the spread of diseases and negative influences among people. The concept of contagion has played a significant role in the understanding of epidemics and social behaviors throughout history.

See also: contagious.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,107, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.