Infect

/ɪnˈfɛkt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To contaminate or taint (a person, organism, or environment) with a disease-causing substance, typically a pathogen.

The doctor was concerned that the wound could infect the surrounding tissue.

To influence someone in a negative way, such as by instilling a harmful idea or emotion.

His pessimistic attitude began to infect the entire team.

To introduce a virus or malicious software into a computer system.

The hacker tried to infect the network with a new type of malware.

From Latin 'infectus', past participle of 'inficere', meaning 'to stain, dye, or corrupt'.

infect someone with enthusiasm

To transfer one's excitement or passion to someone else.

infect a system

To introduce harmful software or malware into a computer system.

infection

The act or process of infecting or the state of being infected.

infectious

Capable of causing infection.

To spread rapidly or negatively affect something.

His bad attitude could infect the whole team.

To influence someone in a negative way.

Don't let that rumor infect your judgment.