epidemic, affliction, deficit, harbinger, catastrophe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 189. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. epidemic · noun/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

   a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a specific time

   The health department declared a flu epidemic after a significant increase in reported cases during the winter months.

   Synonyms: outbreak, contagion, plague

   Origin: from the Greek 'epidēmia', meaning 'popular' or 'among the people'

2. affliction · noun/əˈflɪkʃən/

   a state of pain, distress, or grief

   The family struggled to cope with the affliction that had taken hold of their youngest child, leading to countless nights of worry and prayer.

   Synonyms: suffering, distress, agony

   Origin: from Middle English 'affliccioun', from Latin 'afflictio', from 'affligere' meaning 'to strike down'

3. deficit · noun/ˈdɛfɪsɪt/

   a lack or shortfall of something necessary or required

   The country is facing a budget deficit, which is hindering its ability to invest in public services.

   Synonyms: shortage, insufficiency, deficiency

   Origin: Latin 'deficere', meaning 'to fail or to be wanting'

4. harbinger · noun/ˈhɑrbɪndʒər/

   a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

   The sudden drop in temperatures was a harbinger of the harsh winter that lay ahead.

   Synonyms: forerunner, precursor, omen

   Origin: from Middle English 'herbenger', from Anglo-French 'herberge', meaning 'to provide lodging'

5. catastrophe · noun/kəˈtæstrəfi/

   a sudden and widespread disaster or misfortune

   The earthquake resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, leaving thousands without shelter or food.

   Synonyms: disaster, calamity, crisis

   Origin: from the Greek 'katastrophē', where 'kata-' means 'down' and 'strophē' means 'turning'