Disease Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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disease
[dɪˈziːz ]
Definitions
medical
A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disease |
Used for more serious and often chronic health conditions that are scientifically identified.
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| illness |
A general term for any health condition that affects the body or mind.
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| sickness |
Often used in everyday conversation to describe feeling unwell physically, also can imply nausea.
|
| ailment |
Used for minor or less severe health issues, often temporary.
|
Examples of usage
- Disease can manifest itself in many different ways.
- Prevention is key in avoiding the spread of disease.
- The doctor diagnosed her with a rare genetic disease.
general
A particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disease |
Typically used in a medical or scientific context to describe a specific condition that negatively affects the body or mind.
|
| affliction |
Used to describe something that causes pain, suffering, or distress. It has a broader scope and can refer to physical, mental, or emotional hardships.
|
| plague |
Historically refers to a specific and severe contagious disease like the bubonic plague. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that causes significant problems or suffering on a large scale.
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| scourge |
Describes something that causes great pain, misery, or destruction, often on a widespread level. It is typically used in a more dramatic or literary context.
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Examples of usage
- Unemployment is a disease of modern society.
- Racism is a disease that needs to be eradicated.
- Corruption is a disease that plagues many governments.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The Black Death, a major disease outbreak in the 14th century, killed millions and changed the course of European history.
- Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 after a successful global vaccination campaign, a significant milestone in public health.
- Ancient Egyptians documented diseases in medical papyri, showcasing early understandings of illness and treatment.
Science
- Diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, genetic factors, or environmental influences.
- The concept of germ theory, popularized by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, revolutionized our understanding of infectious diseases.
- Research shows that chronic diseases are often linked to lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, impacting public health.
Psychology
- Mental health disorders are classified as diseases, highlighting the importance of treating psychological conditions with the same care as physical ones.
- The stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to discrimination and a lack of understanding in society.
- Stress-related diseases show how emotional and physical health are deeply connected, affecting overall well-being.
Pop Culture
- Many films and books portray characters battling disease, emphasizing themes of struggle and resilience, such as 'The Fault in Our Stars'.
- Video games like 'Plague Inc.' allow players to simulate spreading a disease, providing a unique perspective on outbreaks.
- TV series often feature medical dramas that explore diseases and the lives of people affected by them, like 'Grey's Anatomy'.
Origin of 'disease'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'desaise', meaning 'lack of ease'.
- Its usage dates back to the late 14th century, reflecting a time when illnesses were often misunderstood.
- The prefix 'dis-' suggests a negative condition, reinforcing the idea of discomfort or malfunction.
The word 'disease' comes from the Old French 'desaise', meaning 'lack of ease'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe a condition of discomfort or distress. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a wide range of medical conditions and later expanded to include broader social and cultural issues.