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Infested Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infested

[ษชnหˆfษ›stษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

building

occupied by vermin; teeming with insects or other pests

Synonyms

infected, overrun, swarming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infested

Used when a place is occupied in large numbers by unwanted creatures such as insects or rodents, typically in a very visible and problematic manner.

  • The old house was infested with termites, causing significant damage to the wooden structures
overrun

Used to describe a situation where a place is overwhelmed by something in large numbers, often unexpectedly and to a detrimental effect.

  • The garden was overrun by rabbits, eating all the vegetables and flowers
swarming

Used when describing a large number of insects or other small creatures moving together, often in a somewhat chaotic and overwhelming manner. It's more neutral and less negative than 'infested'.

  • Bees were swarming around the hive, making it difficult to approach
infected

Used to describe a condition where a living organism (humans, animals, plants) has been invaded by harmful microorganisms like bacteria or viruses, leading to disease or illness.

  • The cut became infected because it wasn't properly cleaned, resulting in redness and swelling

Examples of usage

  • The abandoned house was infested with rats.
  • The basement was infested with cockroaches.
Context #2 | Verb

place

to spread or swarm in or over in a troublesome manner

Synonyms

invade, overrun, overwhelm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infested

Typically describes a place that is heavily and unpleasantly filled with pests or unwanted creatures. Often used in a negative context to emphasize a large number of invasive species.

  • The old house was infested with termites
  • The flour in the cupboard was infested with weevils

Examples of usage

  • The garden was infested with weeds.
  • The lake was infested with algae.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Infestation often leads to ecological imbalances, where one species overpopulates, affecting local wildlife and plants.
  • Certain parasites can infest animals causing diseases, highlighting the importance of pest control in agriculture.

Health Risks

  • Infestations can pose significant health risks to humans, such as diseases carried by ticks, fleas, and rodents.
  • Controlling infestations is crucial in households to prevent the spread of allergens and contaminants.

Literature

  • The theme of infestation appears in various works, often symbolic of overwhelming societal issues, like Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis'.
  • Infestation is used in horror literature to create a sense of dread, where characters confront monstrous pests.

Pop Culture

  • Horror movies often feature infestations, where characters are overwhelmed by zombies or monsters, paralleling real-world fears.
  • Video games frequently employ infestation mechanics, challenging players to deal with hordes of enemies invading spaces.

Origin of 'infested'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Latin root 'infestare', which means 'to trouble' or 'disturb'.
  • It evolved in Middle English as 'infested', combining 'in' with a sense of attack or invasion.

The word 'infested' originates from the Latin word 'infestare', which means 'to assail, disturb, molest'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the invasion or presence of pests or unwanted organisms in a particular place.

See also: infest, infestation.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,645 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.