infect
verb
in·fect
| \ in-ˈfekt
\
\
infected;
infecting;
infects
Definition of infect
1
: to contaminate with a disease-producing substance or agent (such as bacteria)
2a
: to communicate a pathogen or a disease to
b
of a pathogenic organism
: to invade (an individual or organ) usually by penetration
c
of a computer virus
: to become transmitted and copied to (a device, such as a computer)
3a
: contaminate, corrupt
the inflated writing that infects such stories
b
: to work upon or seize upon so as to induce sympathy, belief, or support
trying to infect their salespeople with their enthusiasm
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Other Words from infect
infector
\ in-ˈfek-tər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of infect in a Sentence
If you're sick you should stay home to avoid infecting other people in the office.
The virus has infected many people.
They were unable to prevent bacteria from infecting the wound.
Her enthusiasm has infected everyone.
The virus has infected many computers.
All the computers in the office were infected by the same virus.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Two experimental Ebola treatments significantly increase survival rates for those infected with a disease often considered a death sentence, scientists announced Monday, providing fresh hope for containing an outbreak that has ravaged eastern Congo. — Claire Parker, Washington Post, "Ebola no longer ‘incurable,’ scientists say, after discovery of two highly effective drugs," 12 Aug. 2019 The virus can cause swelling of the brain and kills about 30 percent of those infected, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Jeremy C. Fox, BostonGlobe.com, "Plymouth County man tests positive for Eastern equine encephalitis in first Mass. case since 2013," 10 Aug. 2019 Lassa fever is somewhat less lethal, killing from 10 percent to nearly 70 percent of those infected. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Lassoing Lassa fever, with an assist from San Diego researchers," 9 Aug. 2019 Almost 150 of those infected have been health workers. — The Washington Post, cleveland.com, "A year on, Congo’s Ebola outbreak is only getting worse," 1 Aug. 2019 During the 2014-16 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which left more than 11,300 people dead, health workers could only dream of a vaccine with a 97.5 percent effectiveness rate that could improve the odds of survival even in those already infected. — NBC News, "Ebola vaccine hampered by deep distrust in eastern Congo," 25 July 2019 Those infected with milder forms of the bacteria will see recovery after three days, but the Vibrio vulnificus infection can cause serious illness, limb amputation and death. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "Girl, 12, contracts deadly flesh-eating disease after trip to Florida: report," 26 June 2019 International efforts to combat the outbreak have not brought it under control in the face of community resistance and militia attacks that disrupted critical operations to isolate those infected and trace all those in contact with them. — Nick Cumming-bruce, New York Times, "Hundreds of Thousands Flee Congo Violence, in Region Afflicted by Ebola," 18 June 2019 About 19% of those infected are not in risk grounds of drug users or the homeless. — Chris Kenning, The Courier-Journal, "Hepatitis A death toll in Kentucky reaches 58 in state's latest report," 5 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for infect
infect
verb
English Language Learners Definition of infect
: to cause (someone or something) to become sick or affected by disease
: to cause (someone) to feel an emotion
of an emotion
: to spread to (other people)
See the full definition for infect in the English Language Learners Dictionary
infect
verb
in·fect
| \ in-ˈfekt
\
\
infected;
infecting
Kids Definition of infect
1
: to pass on or introduce a germ, illness, or disease to : to cause sickness in
Don't infect me with your cold. The bacteria can infect wounds.
2
: to cause to share similar feelings
Her enthusiasm infects the other players.
infect
transitive verb
in·fect
| \ in-ˈfekt
\
\
Medical Definition of infect
1
: to contaminate with a disease-producing substance or agent (as bacteria)
2a
: to communicate a pathogen or a disease to
b
of a pathogenic organism
: to invade (an individual or organ) usually by penetration — compare infest
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