Epidemic: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'epidemic' when referring to a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or region, but not necessarily on a global scale. It covers situations where the disease incidence is higher than expected.

• The city faced a flu epidemic last winter.
• Authorities are trying to control the measles epidemic in the region.

Outbreak is suitable for initial sudden increases in the number of cases of a disease, often within a specific location and timeframe. It does not imply the same level of spread as 'epidemic' or 'pandemic'.

• There was an outbreak of food poisoning at the local restaurant.
• Health officials are investigating an outbreak of salmonella.

Pandemic is used when a disease spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting a large number of people globally. It indicates a much larger scale than 'epidemic'.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide.
• In 1918, a flu pandemic killed millions globally.

Plague often refers specifically to the bacterial disease caused by Yersinia pestis, historically known for causing the Black Death. It can also be used metaphorically for something that causes continuous trouble or distress. It has a rather negative connotation.

• The city was ravaged by the plague in the 14th century.
• She described the constant delays as a plague on her schedule.