Main Entry: in·fect

Pronunciation: \in-ˈfekt\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin infectus, past participle of inficere, from in- + facere to make, do — more at do

Date: 14th century

1 : to contaminate with a disease-producing substance or agent (as bacteria)
2 a : to communicate a pathogen or a disease to b of a pathogenic organism : to invade (an individual or organ) usually by penetration c of a computer virus : to become transmitted and copied to (as a computer)
3 a : contaminate, corrupt <the inflated writing that infects such stories> b : to work upon or seize upon so as to induce sympathy, belief, or support <trying to infect their salespeople with their enthusiasm>

— in·fec·tor \-ˈfek-tər\ noun