Contagion

con;ta;gion pronunciation: function: noun etymology: middle english, from latin contagion-, contagio, from contingere to have contact with, pollute — more at contingentdate: 14th century 1 a : a contagious disease b : the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact c : a disease-producing agent (as a virus)2 a : poison b : contagious influence, quality, or nature c : corrupting influence or contact3 a : rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b : an influence that spreads rapidly