CONTAGION Meaning and
Definition
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Contagion refers to the transmission or spread of a disease or a harmful influence from one person, object, or place to another. The term is used to describe the process by which an infectious disease is transmitted through direct or indirect contact between individuals, leading to a widespread outbreak or epidemic. Contagion can manifest in various forms, such as the spread of a virus, bacteria, or parasites, causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe conditions like flu, Ebola, or COVID-19.
In broader contexts, contagion can also refer to the spread of non-biological phenomena, including emotions, ideas, behaviors, or social attitudes. For instance, the spread of panic or fear during a crisis, the proliferation of certain fashion trends, or the dissemination of false information through social media networks can all be seen as examples of contagion.
The concept of contagion holds significant implications in public health, as it helps in understanding and managing disease outbreaks. Health authorities and researchers study the routes and mechanisms of contagion to develop appropriate prevention and containment strategies. Interventions such as quarantine, vaccination programs, public education about hygiene practices, and social distancing measures are often implemented to control the spread of contagious diseases. By understanding and addressing the various aspects of contagion, societies can mitigate the risks and consequences associated with infectious diseases and other harmful influences.
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1. Contagium. 2. Transmission of an infectious disease by contact, either immediate or mediate, with the sick; one of the modes of infection. 3. The production of a psychopathic state or so-called functional nervous disease through imitation or autosuggestion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The communication of a disease by contact or touch; the subtile or virulent matter proceeding from the bodies of diseased persons imparting the same diseases to others-the latter strictly applies to infection, and the former to contagion; that which propagates evil or mischief.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CONTAGION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CONTAGION
Etymology of CONTAGION
The word "contagion" can be traced back to the Latin term "contagio", which means "a touching, contagion". "Contagio" is derived from the verb "contingere", which means "to touch" or "to happen upon". In turn, "contingere" is a combination of the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and the verb "tangere" meaning "to touch". Therefore, the etymology of "contagion" suggests the idea of something being transferred or transmitted through physical contact or close proximity.
Similar spelling words for CONTAGION
- contagiously,
- contact,
- contagious,
- contestation,
- context,
- contusioned,
- contain,
- coondog,
- contestant,
- contestable,
- contiguity,
- contusion,
- contest,
- contiguous,
- contacting,
- contagions.
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