Definition of infect

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in·fect    (n-fkt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
in·fect·ed, in·fect·ing, in·fects

1. To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.
2. To communicate a pathogen or disease to.
3. To invade and produce infection in.
4. To contaminate or corrupt: envy that infected their thoughts; a society that was infected by racism.
5. To affect in a contagious way: "His fear infected me, and . . . I followed as fast as I could" (W.H. Hudson).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English infecten, to afflict with disease, from Latin nficere, nfect-, to stain, infect ( in-, in; see in-² + facere, to do; see dh- in Indo-European roots)