Virus
Infectious replicating agent
A virus is an infectious agent that replicates only inside living cells—too simple to survive independently, yet capable of devastating its host.
Viruses cause diseases from the common cold to AIDS.
The term extends to computer programs that spread by copying themselves into other software, corrupting data or hijacking systems.
Figuratively, anything that spreads rapidly and harmfully may be called a virus: Misinformation spread like a virus through social media.
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- diseaseDisorder impairing normal function
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
epidemic · pandemic · outbreak · host · replication · mutation · strain · antibody
Harmful computer programs
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
- antivirusMalware detection program
phishing · ransomware · spyware · firewall · infected · software · code · download
Disease spread by contact
- spreadTo distribute widely
- toxicCapable of causing harm
- infectiousAble to spread disease
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
ideology · propaganda · contamination · influence · proliferation · fear · misinformation · idea
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- diseaseDisorder impairing normal function
bacteria · epidemic · pandemic · outbreak · host · replication · mutation · strain · antibody · vaccine
malware
Harmful computer programs
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
antivirus · phishing · ransomware · spyware · firewall · infected · software · code · download · attachment
contagion
Disease spread by contact
- spreadTo distribute widely
- toxicCapable of causing harm
- infectiousAble to spread disease
corruption · ideology · propaganda · contamination · influence · proliferation · fear · misinformation · idea · meme
meme
Shared online humor
content · video · TikTok · post · algorithm · views · likes · followers · influencer · social media
Virusantivirus
Malware detection program
antivirus software · antimalware · firewall · security software · cybersecurity
- gone viralSpread rapidly online
- going viralSpreading rapidly online
- go viralSpread rapidly online
- went viralAchieved rapid online spread
- computer virusSelf-copying malicious program
- viral hitsContent reaching massive audiences quickly
viral, virally, virology, virologist, virologists, antiviral, antivirals, retrovirus, retroviruses