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Infesting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infesting

[ษชnหˆfษ›stษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

pests invasion

Infesting refers to the act of causing a large group of pests or unwanted organisms to occupy a place, causing damage or harm. This often pertains to insects, bacteria, or other nuisances that invade an area, making it unclean or unhealthy.

Synonyms

infect, invade, plague, trouble.

Examples of usage

  • The garden was infested with aphids.
  • The old house was infested by termites.
  • The crop was infested with locusts.
  • The restaurant was shut down due to a rat infestation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Infestation often involves parasites or pests like insects, rodents, or microorganisms that live on or in a host.
  • Common examples of infestations include termites in wood or bedbugs in mattresses, both causing significant damage or discomfort.
  • Some infestations can impact human health, leading to allergies or diseases transmitted by pests.

Cultural References

  • Infestation themes are popular in horror movies, where locations are overrun by creepy creatures, heightening fear and suspense.
  • In literature, infestations often symbolize the spread of corruption or decay within a society or community.
  • The iconic video game 'Resident Evil' features infestations as a central plot point, bringing life to horror themes.

Economics

  • Agricultural infestations can significantly impact food supply, leading to market fluctuations and increased prices.
  • Countries invest in pest control measures to protect crops and livestock from infestations, demonstrating the economic impact of pests.
  • Understanding the dynamics of infestations in urban settings has led to innovations in pest management and urban planning.

Psychology

  • The fear of infestations can lead to obsessive behaviors known as 'hoarding' where individuals feel the need to collect or store things to ward off unwanted creatures.
  • Infestations are often used as a metaphor in psychology to describe overwhelming issues or experiences in a person's life.
  • Studies show that the presence of pests can increase anxiety and stress levels in affected individuals, illustrating the psychological impact of infestations.

Origin of 'infesting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'infest' comes from the Latin 'infestare', which means to attack or invade.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 14th century and was used primarily in the context of harmful animals or pests.
  • Related words include 'infestation' which refers to the condition of being infested.

The word 'infest' comes from the Latin 'infestare', which means 'to attack' or 'to invade'. It is composed of two parts: 'in-', a prefix meaning 'in' or 'into', and 'festare', derived from 'festus', which means 'attacking' or 'raiding'. First recorded in English in the early 19th century, 'infest' typically refers to the presence of unwanted organisms that cause disruption or destruction. This term is commonly used in the contexts of agriculture, pest control, and health, emphasizing the negative impact that infestations can have on environments, human health, and food supplies. Over the years, its usage has expanded to encapsulate a broader idea of any overwhelming presence that acts disruptively in a given context.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,489, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.