social disease

noun

1
2
: a disease (such as tuberculosis) whose incidence is directly related to social and economic factors

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Chess pieces just sort of materialize throughout the night; one couple plays chess, then another, then another, catching on like a dance craze or a social disease. Jordan Michelman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social disease.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of social disease was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near social disease

Cite this Entry

“Social disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20disease. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

social disease

noun
1
2
: a disease (as tuberculosis) whose incidence is directly related to social and economic factors

More from Merriam-Webster on social disease

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