epidemic
//ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk//
Noun
epidemicSingular
epidemicsPlural
1
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or region at a particular time, affecting many individuals simultaneously.
The flu epidemic affected thousands of people in the region last winter.
2
A rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something, typically something undesirable or harmful.
There has been an epidemic of violence in the city.
Adjective
1
Relating to or of the nature of an epidemic; widespread and rapidly spreading.
The disease reached epidemic proportions in the region.