infect
♦ in|fect /ɪnf'ekt/ (infects infecting infected)
1 [VERB] V n, V-ed, also V n with n
To infect people, animals, or plants means to cause them to have a disease or illness.
A single mosquito can infect a large number of people.
...people infected with HIV.
● infection [N-UNCOUNT]
...plants that are resistant to infection.
2 [VERB] V n, V-ed
To infect a substance or area means to cause it to contain harmful germs or bacteria.
The birds infect the milk.
...a virus which is spread mainly by infected blood.
= contaminate
3 [VERB] be V-ed by n, V n with n, V n
When people, places, or things are infected by a feeling or influence, it spreads to them.
For an instant I was infected by her fear...
He thought they might infect others with their bourgeois ideas...
His urge for revenge would never infect her.
4 [VERB] V n
If a virus infects a computer, it affects the computer by damaging or destroying programs. (COMPUTING)
This virus infected thousands of computers within days.
1 [VERB] V n, V-ed, also V n with n
To infect people, animals, or plants means to cause them to have a disease or illness.
A single mosquito can infect a large number of people.
...people infected with HIV.
● infection [N-UNCOUNT]
...plants that are resistant to infection.
2 [VERB] V n, V-ed
To infect a substance or area means to cause it to contain harmful germs or bacteria.
The birds infect the milk.
...a virus which is spread mainly by infected blood.
= contaminate
3 [VERB] be V-ed by n, V n with n, V n
When people, places, or things are infected by a feeling or influence, it spreads to them.
For an instant I was infected by her fear...
He thought they might infect others with their bourgeois ideas...
His urge for revenge would never infect her.
4 [VERB] V n
If a virus infects a computer, it affects the computer by damaging or destroying programs. (COMPUTING)
This virus infected thousands of computers within days.