contagion
noun
con·ta·gion
kən-ˈtā-jən 
1
a
: a contagious disease
b
: the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact
c
: a disease-producing agent (such as a virus)
2
3
a
: rapid communication of an influence (such as a doctrine or emotional state)
b
: an influence that spreads rapidly
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 on the Web
This process fosters emotional contagion and empathy, reinforcing touch as a vital tool for emotional connection.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025
Further analysis showed that the closer a chimp was to another peeing chimp, the more likely the probability of that chimp peeing as well—evidence of social contagion.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
Ash, smoke, wind and flames carried the heart-stinging realization, which spread like a contagion, that a new and less manageable landscape was on the horizon.
—Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Similarly, seeing a friend in emotional pain can evoke feelings of despair—a phenomenon termed emotional contagion.
—Joshua Cohen, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contagion 
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Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025
Further analysis showed that the closer a chimp was to another peeing chimp, the more likely the probability of that chimp peeing as well—evidence of social contagion.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
Ash, smoke, wind and flames carried the heart-stinging realization, which spread like a contagion, that a new and less manageable landscape was on the horizon.
—Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Similarly, seeing a friend in emotional pain can evoke feelings of despair—a phenomenon termed emotional contagion.
—Joshua Cohen, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contagion
Dictionary Entries Near contagion
Cite this Entry
“Contagion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contagion. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contagion
noun
con·ta·gion
kən-ˈtā-jən
1
: the passing of a disease from one individual to another by direct or indirect contact
2
: a contagious disease or something (as a virus) that causes a contagious disease
Medical Definition
contagion
noun
con·ta·gion
kən-ˈtā-jən
1
: the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact
3
: a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
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