1. to cause disease in a person, animal, or plant by introducing harmful microorganisms
2. to spread to and affect others in a harmful way
Usage: figurative
3. to contaminate a computer or network with malicious software
Usage: computing

Examples

• The virus infects the respiratory system.
• Poor hygiene infects wounds with bacteria.
• His negative attitude infects the whole team.
• The malware infects computers through email attachments.
• Contaminated water infects thousands of people each year.
• The disease infects both humans and animals.
• Her enthusiasm infects everyone around her.