infection

noun

in·​fec·​tion in-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce infection (audio)
1
a
: the state produced by the establishment of one or more pathogenic agents (such as a bacteria, protozoans, or viruses) in or on the body of a suitable host
an infection in his foot
b
: a disease resulting from infection
contagious infections
infections of childhood
2
: an act or process of infecting something or someone
also : the establishment of a pathogen in its host after invasion
3
: an infectious agent or material contaminated with an infectious agent
… that notion that the infection was all in the air, that there was no such thing as contagion from the sick people to the sound …Daniel Defoe
It may not be uninteresting to add, that this case I vaccinated with infection taken from a secondary pock on the arm of her sister …John Redman Coxe
4
: the communication of emotions or qualities through example or contact
But immediately she resisted this intolerable fear as an infection from her husband's way of thinking.George Eliot
also : the emotion or quality that is communicated
… as the evening wore on, she caught the infection of their excitement … Thomas Hardy
Besides, I know what sort of a mind I have placed in communication with my own: I know it is one not liable to take infectionCharlotte Brontë
5
: the act or result of corrupting someone's morals, character, etc.
… it is at least as difficult to stay a moral infection as a physical one …Charles Dickens
… they could not know the origin—or the depth—of his susceptibility to the infection of power.Robert A. Caro

Examples of infection in a Sentence

Poor hygiene can increase the danger of infection. The wound has so far remained free of infection. steps you can take to decrease your computer's risk of infection
Recent Examples on the Web Ingredients could have broken down into irritating chemicals once past their expiration date or there could be bacteria and yeast growing in the product, which could lead to infection and forms of skin irritation such as bumps and rashes. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2024 Most people will not face life-threatening complications from a herpes infection. Jennifer Sabour, Health, 9 Mar. 2024 The glaring disparities in HIV infection rates among Black women underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions and equitable access to healthcare resources. Larada Lee, Essence, 9 Mar. 2024 While Carrying Ceramics: 'There Were Casualties' According to the Cleveland Clinic, women need to keep their vulva clean to prevent infections, including bacterial vaginosis—an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria—and yeast infections—an infection caused by an overgrowth of fungus. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 In rare cases, people can experience a brain disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis that develops seven to 10 years after infection and leads to memory loss, involuntary movements, seizures, blindness and eventually death. Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 The hard-to-swallow news for cheese eaters follows an earlier story this week related to listeria, the bacteria behind listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating contaminated food. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 By the time of Shannan’s diagnosis, CF was known as a disease of the lungs, in which sticky mucus made fertile ground for bacteria, and the cycle of infection and scarring, infection and scarring would eventually cause the lungs to fail. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 For example, a Lown Institute analysis of Medicare data named the hospitals most likely to unnecessarily implant coronary stents, a procedure whose risks include infection, stroke and even kidney damage. Michael L. Millenson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English infeccioun "morbid condition of a body part, disease, contamination," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French infeccioun, enfection, borrowed from Late Latin infectiōn-, infectiō "influence, process of dyeing, communication of disease, contamination," from Latin infec-, variant stem of inficere "to dye, discolor, taint, contaminate with disease" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at infect

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of infection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near infection

Cite this Entry

“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infection. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infection

noun
in·​fec·​tion in-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce infection (audio)
1
: an act or process of infecting
2
a
: the state produced by something infectious (as a germ or parasite) living in or on a suitable host
b
: a disease resulting from infection : infectious disease
3
a
: something (as a bacterium or virus) infectious
b
: material contaminated with something infectious

Medical Definition

infection

noun
in·​fec·​tion in-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce infection (audio)
1
a
: the state produced by the establishment of one or more pathogenic agents or microorganisms (as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) in or on the body of a suitable host
treated a bacterial infection of the eye
b
: a disease resulting from infection : infectious disease
common infections of childhood
contagious infections
2
: an act or process of infecting something or someone
syphilis infection is chiefly venereal
also : the establishment of a pathogen in its host after invasion
3
: an infectious agent or material contaminated with an infectious agent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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