infest

verb

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in·fest | \ in-ˈfest

infested; infesting; infests

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

Other Words from infest Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About infest

Other Words from infest

infestant \ in-ˈfe-stənt

\ noun

infestation \ ˌin-ˌfe-ˈstā-shən

\ noun

infester \ in-ˈfe-stər

\ noun

Examples of infest in a Sentence

in desperation, we called in an exterminator because the house was infested with ants

Recent Examples on the Web It’s this ability to infest areas without large groups that make these invasive jumping worms so terrifying to the local environment. — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 5 Apr. 2022 But then scammers started to infest that market, offering fake codes and scamming players out of their money, leading some unsavvy players to think that Riot had cheated them. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2022 Those of us who infest cinemas may remember asking ourselves that uncomfortable question for the first time. — The New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2022 What should gardeners do about the aphids and bugs that infest milkweed stems and blooms? — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Sep. 2021 Villains from other realities infest the MCU, and Peter will have to capture them all. — Chris Smith, BGR, 21 Nov. 2021 In addition to okra plantings, fire ants often infest container plantings. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Sep. 2021 The tiny orange critters infest plants that are too dry or whose leaves are covered in dust. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2021 Silverfish are by far one of the most cursed insects that can infest your home—right next to cockroaches and centipedes. — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 20 July 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.