Infect definition
The definition of infect is to contaminate someone or something with a disease or with some other negative element.
An example of infect is when you give someone a cold.
An example of infect is when you have a very bad attitude which spreads to others who you know.
verb
To invade and proliferate in, often resulting in disease. Used of microorganisms or other infectious agents.
People who were infected with salmonella.
verb
To cause the invasion of (a cell, for example) with a microorganism or other infectious agent.
The researchers infected the bacteria with a virus.
verb
To transmit a pathogen or disease to.
The sick child infected the entire class.
verb
To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.
Cholera infected the water supply.
verb
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(computers) To become transmitted to and copied on (a hard drive, for example). Used of a virus or other harmful software.
verb
To affect by transmission or be communicated to. Used of an idea, emotion, or attitude.
verb
To contaminate with a disease-producing organism or matter.
verb
To cause to become diseased by bringing into contact with such an organism or matter.
verb
To invade (an individual, organ, tissue, etc.)
verb
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To affect or imbue with feelings, beliefs, etc. that are regarded as negative or harmful.
verb
(comput.) To invade for the purpose of disrupting the functioning of.
verb
To invade and proliferate in, often resulting in disease. Used of microorganisms or other infectious agents.
People who were infected with salmonella.
verb
To cause the invasion, as of a cell, with a microorganism or other infectious agent.
The researchers infected the bacteria with a virus.
verb
To transmit a pathogen or disease to.
The sick child infected the entire class.
verb
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To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.
Cholera infected the water supply.
verb
To bring into contact with a substance that causes illness (a pathogen).
verb
To make somebody enthusiastic about one's own passion.
Her passion for dancing has infected me.
verb
(obsolete) Infected.
adjective
Origin of infect
-
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