Meaning
To become ill with influenza.
Practice Bank
3 exercisesShe started to feel unwell yesterday and now she's really sick. I think she might have _______.
I'm trying to avoid crowded places so I don't ______ this season.
After spending time with her sick colleague, it wasn't long before she also ______.
🎉 Score: /3
The phrase 'catch a flu' combines the verb 'catch,' meaning to become infected with a disease (from Old French 'cachier' meaning 'to seize' or 'to hunt'), and 'flu,' a shortened form of 'influenza.' 'Influenza' comes from Medieval Latin 'influentia,' meaning 'influence' or 'visitation,' as the disease was originally attributed to astral influences. The shortening to 'flu' occurred in the 19th century. Therefore, 'catch a flu' literally means to 'seize' or 'acquire' the 'influence' or 'visitation' of the influenza disease. The association of 'catch' with illness dates back to at least the 16th century, reflecting the idea of passively acquiring an illness rather than actively seeking it. The phrase itself gained widespread usage as influenza became a recognized and common ailment.
