contagion
kuhn-TAY-jun
/kənˈteɪ.dʒən/
The communication of disease from one person to another by close contact; or a disease spread in this manner.
Carries a dramatic, rapid-spreading connotation. It can also metaphorically describe the rapid spread of emotions, panic, or financial instability.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'contagium' (a touching together or contact). In medieval times, people noticed diseases spread among people touching one another. The prefix 'con-' (together) and 'tangere' (touch) captured the exact observation of physical transfer.
Word relationships
- infection: Infection refers to invasion of body tissues by pathogens; contagion highlights the transmission from one host to another.
- epidemic: Epidemic describes a widespread occurrence in a community at a specific time, whereas contagion describes the infectious mechanism itself.
- isolation: Isolation stops transmission by physically separating hosts.
Commonly confused with
- contamination: Contamination is pollution of surfaces or objects by hazardous matter; contagion is transmission of living disease between hosts.
Word family
- contagious (adjective): Transmissible by direct or indirect contact.
- contagiousness (noun): The quality of being easily transmitted.
Collocations
- fear of contagion
- rapid contagion
- emotional contagion
- financial contagion
Example sentences
- "Tight living quarters inside the submarine created an ideal environment for rapid contagion." Epidemiology in Command Units
- "Commanders feared that panic would spread like a contagion through the ranks after the nerve gas alarm sounded." Metaphorical Strategic Use
Memory hook
CONTACT causes CONTAGION—it spreads when people touch together. Spreads through touch.
When not to use
Do not use for non-communicable diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
Fun facts
- In financial markets, the word 'contagion' is routinely used to describe how economic collapse in one country spreads swiftly to neighboring markets.
Related words
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