Meaning & Definition of word "Infect"
Infect
/ɪnˈfɛkt/
verb:
- 1. To contaminate or taint (a person, organism, or environment) with a disease-causing substance, typically a pathogen.
- Example: The doctor was concerned that the wound could infect the surrounding tissue.
- 2. To influence someone in a negative way, such as by instilling a harmful idea or emotion.
- Example: His pessimistic attitude began to infect the entire team.
- 3. To introduce a virus or malicious software into a computer system.
- Example: The hacker tried to infect the network with a new type of malware.
Etymology
●From Latin 'infectus', past participle of 'inficere', meaning 'to stain, dye, or corrupt'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
infection:
The act or process of infecting or the state of being infected.
infectious:
Capable of causing infection.
Slang Meanings of infect
Meaning: To spread rapidly or negatively affect something.
● Example Sentence: His bad attitude could infect the whole team.
Meaning: To influence someone in a negative way.
● Example Sentence: Don't let that rumor infect your judgment.