(~s)
1.
If there is an ~ of a particular disease somewhere, it affects a very large number of people there and spreads quickly to other areas.
A flu ~ is sweeping through Moscow.
...a killer ~ of yellow fever.
N-COUNT: oft n N, N of n
2.
If an activity that you disapprove of is increasing or spreading rapidly, you can refer to this as an ~ of that activity.
...an ~ of serial killings...
Drug experts say it could spell the end of the crack ~.
N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n disapproval