infect

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfɛkt/ / /ɪnˈfɛkt/

Etymology: Borrowed from Latin īnfectus, equivalent to in- (“not”) + factus, perfect passive participle of faciō (“to do, make”).

Etymology: From Middle French infect, from Latin infectus, perfect passive participle of inficiō (“dye, taint”).

To bring (the body or part of it) into contact with a substance that causes illness (a pathogen), so that the pathogen begins to act on the body; (of a pathogen) to come into contact with (a body or body part) and begin to act on it.
“Not everyone will be infected when an epidemic strikes.”
“Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola.”
To contaminate (an object or substance) with a pathogen.
To make somebody enthusiastic about one's own passion, or to communicate a feeling to others, or a feeling communicating itself to others.
“Her passion for dancing has infected me.”
“Guido, by way of diverting the embarrassment which seemed to infect them all, began to unfasten the packet of letters.”