Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Pandemic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🦠
Add to dictionary

pandemic

[pænˈdɛmɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

global health crisis

A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. Pandemics can result from a new virus or a mutation of an existing virus that becomes easily transmissible between humans.

Synonyms

epidemic, health crisis, outbreak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pandemic

This word should be used when describing a disease that has spread across multiple countries or continents, impacting a large number of people globally.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic affected economies and healthcare systems worldwide.
  • During the 1918 flu pandemic, millions of people lost their lives.
epidemic

This word is appropriate when a disease spreads rapidly among a large number of people in a specific geographic area or community.

  • The city faced a dengue fever epidemic last summer.
  • Authorities took swift action to contain the measles epidemic.
outbreak

Use this word when referring to the initial occurrence or the beginning of an increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific location, often before it becomes an epidemic.

  • The school closed down for a week after an outbreak of norovirus.
  • Health officials were concerned about a possible outbreak of the new flu strain.
health crisis

This term can be used to broadly describe any situation where there's a significant threat to public health, not limited to infectious diseases. It can include issues like lack of access to healthcare, rising chronic diseases, or sudden health emergencies.

  • The opioid addiction situation in many countries has become a major health crisis.
  • After the earthquake, the region dealt with an immediate health crisis due to lack of clean water.

Examples of usage

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on economies worldwide.
  • During a pandemic, it is important to follow guidelines from health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was one of the deadliest in history.
Context #2 | Noun

general impact

In a broader sense, a pandemic can also refer to a widespread occurrence of something negative or undesirable, such as a pandemic of misinformation or fear.

Synonyms

epidemic, widespread occurrence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pandemic

Used to describe a disease that has spread across a large region, typically worldwide, affecting a large number of people.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people globally
  • The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in 2020
widespread occurrence

Describes a situation or condition, not limited to diseases, that happens frequently and in many places.

  • There was a widespread occurrence of power outages after the storm
  • Vandalism has become a widespread occurrence in the urban areas
epidemic

Refers to a disease that affects many individuals within a community, region, or population at the same time, but is confined to a particular geographic area.

  • The Ebola epidemic in West Africa caused widespread concern
  • There was an epidemic of flu last winter in the local schools

Examples of usage

  • There has been a pandemic of fake news circulating on social media.
  • We are facing a pandemic of anxiety and mental health issues due to the current situation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'pan' meaning 'all' and 'demos' meaning 'people'.
  • The first notable pandemic recorded in history was the Plague of Justinian in the 6th century, affecting millions.
  • The 1918 influenza pandemic, known as the Spanish flu, infected a third of the world's population.

Science

  • Viruses and bacteria are the primary agents responsible for most pandemics, adapting to spread quickly through populations.
  • Zoonotic diseases, those transferred from animals to humans, often trigger pandemics, emphasizing the importance of wildlife health.
  • Vaccination and public health measures are crucial tools in controlling the spread during a pandemic.

Society & Culture

  • Pandemics can significantly impact cultural practices, such as altering how we celebrate holidays or conduct gatherings.
  • Economic downturns often accompany pandemics as businesses close and job losses increase, reshaping workforce dynamics.
  • Global communication has changed the way information about pandemics spreads, affecting public perception and response.

Literature

  • Many dystopian novels explore themes of pandemics, reflecting societal fears and the challenges of survival, such as in 'The Stand' by Stephen King.
  • Literary works often use pandemics as a backdrop to examine human nature and moral dilemmas in times of crisis.
  • Non-fiction writings document the societal impact of historical pandemics, providing insights into humanity's resilience.

Psychology

  • The stress and anxiety related to pandemics can lead to widespread mental health challenges, requiring public support systems.
  • Feelings of isolation during a pandemic can affect social bonds, highlighting the importance of community and connectedness.
  • Trauma from pandemics can have lasting psychological effects, influencing behavior and societal norms long after the crisis is over.

Origin of 'pandemic'

The term 'pandemic' originates from the Greek words 'pan', meaning 'all', and 'demos', meaning 'people'. It has been used throughout history to describe widespread outbreaks of disease. The concept of pandemics has become particularly relevant in the modern world due to increased global travel and interconnectedness, which can facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,684, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.