Dictionary entries for 'contagion'

Synonyms

con·ta·gion (kən-tā́jən)

[Middle English contagioun, from Latin contāgiō, contāgiōn-, from contingere, contāct-, to touch; see contact.]

noun

1. Disease transmission by direct or indirect contact.
2. A disease that is or may be transmitted by direct or indirect contact; a contagious disease.
3. The direct cause, such as a bacterium or virus, of a communicable disease.
Psychology The spread of a behavior pattern, attitude, or emotion from person to person or group to group through suggestion, propaganda, rumor, or imitation.
A harmful, corrupting influence: feared that violence on television was a contagion affecting young viewers.
The tendency to spread, as of a doctrine, influence, or emotional state.