Contagion usually refers to the spread of an infectiousable to be passed from one person or object to another disease from one person or thing to another. It can also mean a contagiousable to spread quickly from person to person disease itself, or the spread of feelings, moods, or attitudesopinions or ways of thinking and behaving toward something through a group.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kən-TAY-jən/
Easy pronunciation: kun-TAY-jun (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable: TAY.
Use this pronunciation for the noun meaning the spread of an infectious disease.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Contagion Meaning
the passing of an illness from one to another
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the spread of an infectious disease from one person, animal, or thing to another
Example: The doctor warned that close contact could increase the contagion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- infection — Works well when referring to the spread of disease, though it can also mean the disease itself.
- transmission — A close match when focusing on the act of passing a disease on, but a bit more technical.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Contagion
Meaning 2
an illness that spreads easily
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a disease that is easily spread by contact
Example: The old ship was quarantined because of contagion on board.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- contagious disease — A direct match for this sense.
Meaning 3
the spreading of feelings or moods through a group
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the communication of an attitude, mood, or emotional state among a group of people
Example: Laughter swept through the room like contagion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- infection — Used figuratively in this sense, but it is not a literal medical synonym.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Contagion Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- infection
- transmission
a disease that is easily spread by contact
- contagious disease
the spread of a feeling, mood, or attitude through a group
- infection
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using contagion to mean any infection in general, rather than the spread of an infection or a contagious disease.
- Mixing up the medical meaning with the figurative sense of spreading moods or attitudes.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does contagion mean in simple English?
Contagion means the spread of a disease from one person or thing to another. It can also describe a mood or feeling spreading through a group.
Is contagion the same as infection?
Not exactly. Infection is broader, while contagion usually emphasizes something being passed on or spread.
What is a synonym for contagion?
In the disease sense, close synonyms include infection and transmission. In the sense of a contagious disease, contagious disease is the best match.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
