(something) is catching

Meaning(s)

1. something that is contagious

Popularity

Medium

Professional

Medium

Social

Check Icon How to Memorize

his/her enthusiasm is catching

Check Icon Analysis

This expression is used to refer to something that can be easily passed on or given to somebody else. That can be something literally infectious, like a cold or flu; or something figuratively infectious, like a feeling or emotion that spreads quickly or has a strong influence, particularly among a group of people. The former context is more common socially, the latter professionally. A similar term is 'spread like wildfire.'

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. I have a small rash on my arm, but it's not catching, so don't worry about it.
  2. The excitement leading up to the holidays is catching in the house. Everyone is looking forward to it.

Check Icon Professional Examples (Basic)

  1. Our manager's enthusiasm is catching. It very quickly spreads across the office.
  2. It seems like the boss's jitters are catching. The staff are all on edge today.

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