infest

in·fest

verb \in-ˈfest\

Definition of INFEST

transitive verb

1

: to spread or swarm in or over in a troublesome manner <a slum infested with crime> <shark-infested waters>

2

: to live in or on as a parasite

— in·fes·tant \-ˈfes-tənt\ noun

— in·fes·ta·tion \ˌin-ˌfes-ˈtā-shən\ noun

— in·fest·er \in-ˈfes-tər\ noun

Examples of INFEST

1. <in desperation, we called in an exterminator because the house was infested with ants>

Origin of INFEST

French infester, from Latin infestare, from infestus hostile

First Known Use: 1602

Related to INFEST

Synonyms: overrun

Related Words: beset, overspread, overwhelm; abound, crawl, teem; annoy, pester, plague; contaminate, infect

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