reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-in-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce reinfection (audio)
: infection following recovery from or superimposed on infection of the same type
reinfect transitive verb

Examples of reinfection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Public agencies can also facilitate mass distribution of free COVID-19 tests, better educate the public about post-COVID conditions and the risks of reinfection, and work to make more people aware that access to vaccines is widely available. Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2024 Although each reinfection should theoretically be milder than the previous one for most people, doctors said, cases like Keele’s do happen. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2023 Proponents of the bill, however, said the method is key to stopping reinfection and to combating rising STI cases across the country. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2024 But an unlucky group has been hit with reinfection after reinfection. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2023 And, of course, the development of long COVID is the byproduct of infection (or reinfection) by the virus itself. Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2024 The report notes the findings are a reminder about the risks of reinfection for those who are immunocompromised. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2023 Getting infected and vaccined reduces the chance of reinfection a year later by 42%, with someone who was infected but not vaccinated had a 25% lower chance of reinfection. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2023 Rates of reinfection were higher among people with HIV (6.7%) than among people without HIV (5.2%). Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reinfection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinfection was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near reinfection

Cite this Entry

“Reinfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinfection. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reinfection

noun
re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-ən-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce reinfection (audio)
: infection following recovery from another infection of the same kind
reinfect
ˌre-ən-ˈfekt
verb

Medical Definition

reinfection

noun
re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-in-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce reinfection (audio)
: infection following recovery from or superimposed on a previous infection of the same type
rescreening aimed at detecting reinfection following treatmentDiana Mahoney
reinfect transitive verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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