C1verb2K

Infect

UK /["/ɪnˈfekt/","/ɪnˈfekts/","/ɪnˈfektɪd/","/ɪnˈfektɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈfekt/","/ɪnˈfekts/","/ɪnˈfektɪd/","/ɪnˈfektɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a disease or an illness spread to a person, an animal or a plant

In simple words: To make someone sick by spreading germs or diseases.

Examples

  • It is not possible to infect another person through kissing.
  • people infected with the virus
  • The eggs were infected with salmonella.
  • She infected the children with her enthusiasm for music.
  • The whole room was soon infected by his laughter.

Usage notes

Use 'infect' in medical or health contexts. It’s formal, so avoid it in casual conversations unless discussing illness. Common with diseases or viruses.

Grammar pattern

infect + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in-fect' as introducing a 'bad effect' to health.

Collocations

  • infect a wound
  • infect someone with a virus
  • infectious disease
  • infected by bacteria
  • infect the environment

Synonyms

  • contaminate
  • afflict
  • transmit
  • spread
  • pollute

Antonyms

  • heal
  • cure
  • prevent

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'affect' — 'infect' means to make sick, while 'affect' relates to influencing something.
  • Using 'infect' with inanimate objects — only living things can be infected.
  • Mixing up 'infect' with 'contaminate' — 'contaminate' often refers to pollution or toxins.