virus

/ˈvaɪ.rəs/
noun
  1. A very small organism that causes disease in humans, animals, or plants.
    • Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of viruses.
    • Scientists are developing a vaccine to protect against the new virus.
    • The flu virus spreads easily through coughs and sneezes.
  2. A computer program that can copy itself and damage a computer system or data.
    • My laptop got a virus from an email attachment, and I lost all my files.
    • Always install antivirus software to protect your computer from viruses.
    • The company's network was shut down by a dangerous virus.
  3. Something (such as an idea or piece of information) that spreads quickly and widely, often causing harm.
    • The trend was a virus of negativity that affected everyone in the office.
    • Misinformation on social media can act like a virus, infecting many people's beliefs.
    • The rumor spread through the school like a virus, causing panic.
Synonyms