contagious

adjective

UK/kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/
US/kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

Definitions of contagious adjective

  1. A disease that is contagious can be transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, by touching a contaminated object, or through airborne particles produced by coughing or sneezing.

    • This infectious disease is highly contagious, so avoid sharing your towels with others.

    • There were concerns that the contagious illness could decimate livestock populations across a vast area.

    • The contagious illness spread rapidly through the air, causing many to fall ill at the same time.

  2. A contagious person is infected with a disease that they can transmit to others.

    • Prevent him from attending school until he is no longer contagious.

    • The patient is most contagious during the first three weeks after their initial symptoms appear.

    • The doctor recommended he stay home as he is still contagious.

  3. A contagious feeling or emotion can quickly spread among people.

    • Laughter is contagious.

    • Their enthusiasm was contagious, motivating everyone on the team.

    • The sense of panic was contagious, quickly spreading through the crowd.