Cool MateInfect
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.