Pronunciation

/ɪnˈfekt/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To spread a disease, virus, or harmful organism from one living thing to another; to cause something to be affected by a disease or bad influence. For example: “The flu virus infected many people during the winter season.”
• Noun: (n) The act of infecting or the state of being infected; a disease or infection. For example: “The early detection of the infection was crucial to prevent its spread.”

Phrases

• “Infectious disease” refers to a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another through contact, air, bodily fluids, or vectors.
• “To infect with enthusiasm” is a metaphorical usage meaning to inspire someone with excitement or eagerness.
• “To infect the mind” suggests influencing someone’s thoughts or beliefs negatively.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “She worried she might have infected her coworkers after coming down with the flu.”
• Noun: “The patient’s recovery was delayed due to a severe chest infection.”

Synonyms

• Contaminate (v)
• Transmit (v)
• Spread (v)
• Impair (v)
• Disease (n)
• Illness (n)
• Sickness (n)
• Infection (n)

Note: As a verb, “infect” doesn’t have direct synonyms in the context of spreading diseases, but words like ‘contaminate’, ‘transmit’ and ‘spread’ are often used in similar contexts. As a noun, “infection”, “disease”, “illness”, and “sickness” denote similar concepts.