Infect, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infected; p. pr. & vb. n. Infecting.]
Etymology: [L. infectus, p. p. of inficere to put or dip into, to stain, infect; pref. in- in + facere to make; cf. F. infecter. See Fact.]
1. To taint with morbid matter or any pestilential or noxious substance or effluvium by which disease is produced; as, to infect a lancet; to infect an apartment.
2. To affect with infectious disease; to communicate infection to; as, infected with the plague. Them that were left alive being infected with this disease. Sir T. North.
3. To communicate to or affect with, as qualities or emotions, esp. bad qualities; to corrupt; to contaminate; to taint by the communication of anything noxious or pernicious. Cowper. Infected Ston's daughters with like heat. Milton.
4. (Law)
2 more senses
To contaminate with illegality or to expo
Syn. -- To poison; vitiate; pollute; defile.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Infect, a.
Infected. Cf. Enfect. [Obs.] Shak.