Infest: meaning, definitions and examples

This is typically used when describing an unwanted and pervasive presence of insects, animals, or other pests in a location, especially if they are causing harm or nuisance.

• The old house was infested with termites
• The garden was infested with weeds

Use this when discussing an aggressive or forceful entry into a place, often used in a military or territorial context but can also describe other unwanted intrusions.

• The army invaded the neighboring country
• Her privacy was invaded by the constant media attention

This is used when describing something being overwhelmed or taken over by a large number of something, often in a sudden or forceful manner.

• The garden was overrun with weeds
• The castle was overrun by the enemy forces

This is most often used to describe a large group of insects or people moving together in a busy or clustered manner, generally in a neutral or slightly negative context.

• Bees swarmed around the hive
• Fans swarmed the concert venue after the doors opened

This word is used to indicate a situation where the number of inhabitants, whether human or animal, exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment, leading to various problems.

• The rabbits overpopulated the island, causing ecological damage
• Many cities are overpopulated, leading to housing shortages