reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-in-ˈfek-shən 

: infection following recovery from or superimposed on infection of the same type

reinfect

ˌrē-in-ˈfekt 

transitive verb

Examples of reinfection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although reinfection from one's own toothbrush is uncommon for most healthy people, some individuals have reason to be more cautious. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Despite warnings from medical experts that the toddler remained medically vulnerable and at high risk of reinfection, immigration officers returned Amalia and her mother to the detention center, the lawsuit says. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 Feb. 2026

Always clean up the peony beds well in the fall to help prevent reinfection next year. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

Cut back plants with diseased foliage, such as peonies with powdery mildew, to prevent reinfection. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reinfection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-ən-ˈfek-shən 

: 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 

: infection following recovery from or superimposed on a previous infection of the same type

rescreening aimed at detecting reinfection following treatment

—Diana Mahoney

reinfect

-ˈfekt 

transitive verb