infect

[ in-fekt ]
/ ɪnˈfɛkt /

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to become infected.

adjective

Archaic. infected.

Origin of infect

1350–1400; Middle English infecten < Latin infectus (past participle of inficere to immerse in dye, discolor, taint, poison), equivalent to in- in-2 + -fec-, combining form of facere to do1, make (see fact) + -tus past participle suffix

SYNONYMS FOR infect

5 damage, corrupt.
6 touch, stir, arouse.

OTHER WORDS FROM infect

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH infect

afflict infect inflict infect infest invest

Words nearby infect

infatuate, infatuated, infatuation, infauna, infeasible, infect, infected abortion, infectee, infection, infection immunity, infection-exhaustion psychosis

British Dictionary definitions for reinfect (1 of 2)

reinfect
/ (ˌriːɪnˈfɛkt) /

verb (mainly tr)

to infect or contaminate again

Derived forms of reinfect

reinfection, noun

British Dictionary definitions for reinfect (2 of 2)

infect
/ (ɪnˈfɛkt) /

verb (mainly tr)

adjective

archaic contaminated or polluted with or as if with a disease; infected

Derived forms of infect

infector or infecter, noun

Word Origin for infect

C14: from Latin inficere to dip into, stain, from facere to make

Medical definitions for reinfect

infect
[ ĭn-fĕkt′ ]

v.

To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.
To communicate a pathogen or disease to another organism.
To invade and produce infection in an organ or body part.