Webster's English Dictionary

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infect

in.fect \in-'fekt\ \-'fek-t*r\ vt [ME infecten, fr. L infectus, pp. of 
   inficere, fr. in-]+ facere to make, do - more at DO 1: to contaminate with 
   a disease-producing substance, germs, or bacteria  2a: to communicate a 
   pathogen or a disease to  of a pathogenic organism  2b: to invade (an 
   individual or organ) usu. by penetration  3a: CONTAMINATE, CORRUPT  3b: to 
   work upon or seize upon so as to induce sympathy, belief, or suppor t - 
   in.fec.tor n