infected

adjective

in·​fect·​ed in-ˈfek-təd 

: having an infection : contaminated with an infective agent (such as a bacterium or virus)

an infected wound

Through a number of different means, these viruses persist at very low, hard-to-detect levels in infected cells.

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

She explains that leptospirosis bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals.

—Tania Banak

The fungus produces as many as 1 million conidia per square centimeter of infected leaf surface.

—G. B. Lucas

Examples of infected in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, researchers look into the travel histories of infected people, who might have brought the virus from one state to another. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026

Nipah virus spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, feces and blood, and through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026

These parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. —Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026

An infected child in a classroom of unvaccinated children would result in an infection rate of about 90%. —Christopher O'Donnell, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of infect

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for infected

• affected
• bisected
• collected
• connected
• corrected
• defected
• deflected
• dejected
• detected
• directed
• dissected
• effected