Infect: meaning, definitions and examples

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infect

[ ɪnˈfɛkt ]

^{Context #1}

spread disease

To contaminate with a disease-producing substance or agent, such as bacteria or viruses, and thereby induce illness or infection in a person or organism.

Synonyms

contaminate, spread, transmit

Examples of usage

Influenza is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system.
The bacteria can infect the wound if not properly treated.
She unknowingly infected her coworkers with the flu.

^{Context #2}

computer virus

To invade a computer or network with a virus or malware, causing damage or disruption to the system.

Synonyms

contaminate, corrupt, infiltrate

Examples of usage

His laptop was infected with a malicious software program.
The virus quickly spread and infected multiple devices on the network.

Translations

Translations of the word "infect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infectar

🇮🇳 संक्रमित करना

🇩🇪 infizieren

🇮🇩 menginfeksi

🇺🇦 заражати

🇵🇱 zainfekować

🇯🇵 感染する (kansen suru)

🇫🇷 infecter

🇪🇸 infectar

🇹🇷 enfekte etmek

🇰🇷 감염시키다 (gamyeom sikida)

🇸🇦 يعدي

🇨🇿 infikovat

🇸🇰 infikovať

🇨🇳 感染 (gǎnrǎn)

🇸🇮 okužiti

🇮🇸 sýkja

🇰🇿 жұқтыру

🇬🇪 დაავადება

🇦🇿 yoluxdurmaq

🇲🇽 infectar

Word origin

The word 'infect' originated from the Latin word 'infectus', which means 'stained' or 'contaminated'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass not only the spread of disease but also the invasion of computer systems by malicious software.