Using metaphors drawn from news stories to chart the progression, a study documented the change of meaning of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) as reflected in the news during a 15-month period beginning July 1, 1985. More than 3,200 news stories about AIDS from four wire services were examined for metaphoric content, and 300 AIDS-related metaphors were isolated and analyzed. Results indicated that initially, AIDS in the news reflected the struggle to define an unknown fear. Results also indicated that recently, wire service stories have portrayed AIDS as a defined danger, and that currently, the press is reporting on efforts to confront the danger of AIDS. (References and graphs of data are included.) (HTH)