as in virus
an abnormal state caused by contact with harmful organisms (such as bacteria or viruses)
There is a viral infection spreading among the schoolchildren.
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Recent Examples of infection
Their skin, as fragile as a butterfly's wings, blisters and tears with the slightest friction, leading to open wounds, chronic pain, and susceptibility to infections.
—
Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
How to stay safe when getting a tattoo or piercing
Tattoos can come with a risk of infection if done incorrectly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Vaccine hesitancy and lack of awareness about HPV has kept many parents from vaccinating their children against the infection, research shows.
—Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2025
News of her death came only a few days after it was reported that Caliente had undergone a leg amputation due to a severe infection.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
How to stay safe when getting a tattoo or piercing
Tattoos can come with a risk of infection if done incorrectly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Vaccine hesitancy and lack of awareness about HPV has kept many parents from vaccinating their children against the infection, research shows.
—Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2025
News of her death came only a few days after it was reported that Caliente had undergone a leg amputation due to a severe infection.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
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And because all organisms are driven by survival – from viruses to apex predators – this electrome system appears to be the way this forest-wide network of birch trees (Picea abies) inform their neighbors to prepare for an environmental disruption.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 Apr. 2025
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The virus can also cause swelling of the lungs and brain.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Steaming will eliminate odor-causing bacteria and germs, leaving an upholstered headboard looking and smelling fresher.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
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If public restroom germs make your skin crawl (and your urge to poop vanish), Dr. Levy recommends bringing portable Clorox wipes, travel-size sanitizers, or even crafting a makeshift toilet seat cover from paper.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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