Infect: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when a disease or virus enters someone's body or system, causing illness.

• The virus can infect humans very quickly
• Be careful not to infect others if you are sick

Used when a harmful substance makes something dirty, impure, or dangerous, such as food, water, or surfaces.

• The water supply was contaminated with bacteria
• Ensure that you do not contaminate the food during preparation

Refers to the transfer of disease, signals, or information from one person, place, or thing to another.

• Mosquitoes can transmit malaria
• The message was transmitted via satellite

Describes the action of disease, information, or other things moving from one individual or place to another.

• The flu tends to spread quickly during winter
• Rumors can spread like wildfire

Duplicate entry - already described above.

Used to describe the process of making something impure or harmful by introducing pollutants or toxins. Often used in environmental, chemical, or food safety contexts.

• The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste
• Make sure not to contaminate the food with raw meat

Primarily used in moral, ethical, or political contexts to describe the act of making someone or something dishonest or immoral. This term has a negative connotation.

• Power can corrupt even the most honest individuals
• The official was accused of taking bribes to corrupt the bidding process

Commonly used in a military, espionage, or security context to describe entering or gaining access to an organization or place surreptitiously, especially to acquire secret information.

• The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy base
• The hackers tried to infiltrate the company's network