Infect Definition
ĭn-fĕkt
infected, infecting, infects
verb
infected, infecting, infects
To invade and proliferate in, often resulting in disease. Used of microorganisms or other infectious agents.
People who were infected with salmonella.
American Heritage
To cause to become diseased by bringing into contact with such an organism or matter.
Webster's New World
To contaminate with a disease-producing organism or matter.
Webster's New World
To transmit a pathogen or disease to.
The sick child infected the entire class.
American Heritage
To invade (an individual, organ, tissue, etc.)
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adjective
(obsolete) Infected.
Wiktionary
Origin of Infect
-
Middle English infecten to afflict with disease from Latin īnficere īnfect- to stain, infect (in- in in–2) (facere to do dhē- in Indo-European roots)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From Middle French infect, from Latin infectus, perfect passive participle of inficiō (“dye, taint”).
From Wiktionary
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