Infect

Definition

To affect or contaminate (a person, organism, or object) with a disease-causing organism.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɛkt/
• Respelling: in-FEKT (with "in" as in "tin" and "FEKT" as in "checked")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɛkt/
• Respelling: in-FEKT (with "in" as in "tin" and "FEKT" as in "checked")

In both dialects, "infect" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "FEKT." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-FEKT."

Etymology

The word "infect" comes from the Latin word "infectus", the past participle of the verb "inficere", which means "to taint, stain, or dye". It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, primarily referring to the spread of disease.

Derivatives

• Infection (noun)
• Infectious (adjective)
• Infected (verb, past tense)
• Infecting (verb, present participle)
• Infectivity (noun)

Synonyms

• Contaminate
• Transmit
• Pollute

Antonyms

• Disinfect
• Purify
• Sterilize

Usage

"Infect" is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the transmission of disease-causing organisms. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the spread of ideas, emotions, or influences.

Related Terms

• Pathogen
• Virulence
• Contagion
• Microbe
• Bacterium

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Infect (Verb, Medical): To contaminate with a disease-causing organism.
  • Example: "The virus can infect humans and animals alike."

• Infect (Verb, Influence): To affect with a harmful or undesirable quality.
  • Example: "His enthusiasm infected everyone around him."

• Infect (Verb, Contaminate): To contaminate something with harmful or undesirable substances.
  • Example: "The water supply was infected with bacteria."

Note: While "infect" primarily refers to the spread of diseases, it can also be used metaphorically to indicate the spread of ideas, emotions, or influences.