Definition of contagion
1a : a contagious diseaseb : the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contactc : a disease-producing agent (such as a virus)
2a : poisonb : contagious influence, quality, or naturec : corrupting influence or contact
3a : rapid communication of an influence (such as a doctrine or emotional state)b : an influence that spreads rapidly
From the M-W Editors
Examples of contagion in a Sentence
a disease that spreads by contagion
People have been warned to keep out of the area to avoid contagion.
Recent Examples of contagion from the Web
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FloridaWild Veterinary Hospital warned clients with dogs exhibiting symptoms to call ahead so that staff can evaluate the animals in their owners’ cars, to avoid spreading the contagion.
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FloridaWild Veterinary Hospital warned clients with dogs exhibiting symptoms to call ahead so that staff can evaluate the animals in their owners' cars, to avoid spreading the contagion.
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The cash crunch has forced the company to take out an emergency credit line with a pension fund, and concerns about contagion from the lender have contributed to a slowdown in Toronto’s housing market.
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Global health officials are monitoring a possible resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid reports of an outbreak of the feared contagion near the country’s northern border.
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Despite the research behind it, the violence-as-contagion framework is relatively little-known.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contagion'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of contagion
Middle English, from Latin contagion-, contagio, from contingere to have contact with, pollute — more at contingent
CONTAGION Defined for English Language Learners
contagion
playDefinition of contagion for English Language Learners
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: the process by which a disease is passed from one person or animal to another by touching
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: a disease that can be passed from one person or animal to another by touching : a contagious disease
CONTAGION Defined for Kids
contagion
playDefinition of contagion for Students
1 : the passing of a disease from one individual to another as a result of some contact between them
2 : a contagious disease
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about contagion
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See words that rhyme with contagion Spanish Central: Translation of contagion Nglish: Translation of contagion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contagion for Arabic speakers
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