I wrote something for another blog about how the word "viral" which originally was related only to viruses, but now describes content that spreads rapidly online. But there are a good number of words that started as medical terminology but have now gone wider than their original medical usage. Most of them are a very close metaphorical usage to the original usage.
Trauma Originally: Physical injury or psychological damage. Now: Used broadly to describe emotional distress, e.g., “That breakup was traumatic.”
Fever Originally: Elevated body temperature due to illness. Now: Used metaphorically, like “Bieber fever” or “football fever.”
Inflammation Originally: Swelling and redness due to infection or injury. Now: Used in wellness circles to describe chronic health issues or even emotional states.
Contagious Originally: Easily spread disease. Now: Used for ideas, moods, or behaviors. "Her laughter is contagious.”
Diagnosis Originally: Identification of a disease. Now: Used for identifying problems in general. “The diagnosis is poor time management.”
Symptoms Originally: Signs of illness. Now: Used to describe signs of any issue. “The symptoms of burnout are clear.”
Addiction Originally: Compulsive drug use. Now: Used for anything habit-forming. “I’m addicted to this show.”
Obsessed / OCD Originally: Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now: Often used casually to describe intense interest or perfectionism.
Depressed / Depression Originally: Clinical mental health condition. Now: Used to describe temporary sadness or disappointment.
