contagion

Definitions

The communication of disease from one person or organism to another by close contact.

A disease spread by the close contact of one person to another.

The spreading of a harmful idea, practice, or emotion from person to person.

Examples

The financial crisis spread like a contagion through the global markets.

Strict quarantine measures were implemented to prevent the contagion from reaching the rest of the population.

Synonyms

infection disease transmission pestilence contamination spread pathogen

Antonyms

purity sterility cleanliness immunity health sanitation wholesomeness