Contagion
/kənˈteɪ.dʒən/noun
The spread of a disease from one person to another by direct or indirect contact.
Did you know?The concept of contagion once extended beyond illness, suggesting the transmission of emotions and ideas, almost like a magical force binding people together.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tag-
“to touch”
Latin
Latin
contagionem
“a touching; contact, infection”
Late Latin
Late Latin
contagiosus
“infectious, transmitted by touch”
Old French
Old French
contagion
“infection, contagion”
Middle English
Middle English
contagion
“a disease transmitted by contact”
Modern English
English
contagion
“the act of transmitting a disease or influence”