Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

catch-the-disease

phrase
kæʧ ðə dɪˈziːz
Definition
To become infected with an illness or condition, typically hinging on contagion or spread.
Examples
  • After spending time in the hospital, I was worried I might catch the disease that was going around.
  • Infectious diseases are easy to catch if proper hygiene is not practiced.
  • He was warned not to be too close to those who had the disease, or he might catch it himself.
Meaning
The phrase refers to the act of becoming ill from a specific disease or illness, usually through direct or indirect exposure to an infected person or environment.
Synonyms
  • contract a disease
  • be infected
  • come down with