infest
infest definition
in·fest (in fest′)
transitive verb
- to overrun or inhabit in large numbers, usually so as to be harmful or bothersome; swarm in or over
- to be parasitic in or on (a host)
Etymology: Fr infester < L infestare, to attack, trouble < infestus, hostile < in-, in + IE base *dhers-, to be bold, attack > dare
Related Forms:
- infestation in′·fes·ta′·tion noun
- infester in·fest′er noun
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