infect

Definition

To bring (the body or part of it) into contact with a substance that causes illness (a pathogen), so that the pathogen begins to act on the body; (of a pathogen) to come into contact with (a body or body part) and begin to act on it.

Etymology

From Middle French infect, from Latin infectus, perfect passive participle of inficiō (“dye, taint”).

Example Sentences

• "Not everyone will be infected when an epidemic strikes."
• "Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola."
• "Ms. Tang’s inevitable contact with people who are ill has started to worry her. It did not help when she learned that someone living in a building near her own, in Siu Sai Wan, had been infected by the virus."

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