Infection: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms within the body, leading to illness.

• The patient has a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics
• After the surgery, there's a risk of infection

Refers to the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms on surfaces, in food, water, or other environments. Often implies pollution or unclean conditions.

• The contamination of the water supply caused an outbreak
• Proper food handling reduces the risk of contamination

Focuses on the process by which a disease is spread from one individual to another, typically covering mechanisms like airborne, contact, or vector-borne transmission.

• Transmission of the disease can occur through coughing or sneezing
• Preventing the transmission of viruses is crucial in public health

Emphasizes spreading diseases through direct or indirect contact between individuals, often highlighting its rapid or alarming nature.

• The flu contagion spread quickly through the school
• There's a high risk of contagion in crowded places

Used to describe when a disease-causing organism invades the body of a living host, typically referring to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Commonly employed in medical or biological contexts.

• She is recovering from a bacterial infection.
• The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.

Refers to an unusually large number of insects or animals present in a place, often causing damage or concern. Mostly used in agriculture, pest control, or household contexts.

• The crops were destroyed by a severe locust infestation.
• They called an exterminator to deal with the cockroach infestation.

Describes an unwelcome entry into an area, often by harmful beings or organisms, extending beyond just biological contexts. It can also mean an aggressive entry by forces into a territory.

• The flu invasion this year was particularly severe.
• The invasion of privacy was unsettling for the family.

Used in medical contexts to describe the invasion of harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the body. Can also denote the state of being infected.

• After catching a cold, she developed a secondary bacterial infection
• The patient's infection spread rapidly across the hospital

Used in computing to refer to malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or disable computers and computer systems. Often involves agendas like stealing data, spying, or causing other digital damage.

• His computer got infected with malware that stole his personal information
• Companies must be vigilant about malware to protect their sensitive data

Can be used in both medical and computing contexts. In medicine, it refers to a microscopic infectious agent that replicates within living hosts. In computing, it refers to a type of malware designed to spread from one computer to another.

• The flu virus spreads easily from person to person
• His computer crashed after a virus infected his operating system