infect
Definitions
To pass a disease or harmful organism into a person, animal, or system.
（病菌等）使感染，传染。
To spread a feeling, mood, or influence to others.
（情绪、态度等）感染，传播给。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (into) + fect (the fic-/fec- weakened form of fac, 'do/make') = literally 'to put/work into.' Latin inficere meant to dip or stain something by working a substance into it. That image of a foreign agent worked into a body became the medical sense (a germ put into you), then spread metaphorically: laughter, fear, or enthusiasm 'worked into' a crowd.
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from 'stain/dip' to 'give a disease' makes sense once you see infection as something foreign worked into you from outside. The emotional sense (an infectious laugh) keeps the same picture: a mood seeping in and taking hold, whether you wanted it or not.
Common Collocations
- 1.infect with用…感染
- 2.infect a file感染文件
- 3.become infected受到感染
- 4.a virus infects病毒感染
Example Sentences
- 1.
The wound got infected because it was never properly cleaned.
- 2.
A single careless click can infect the whole network with malware.
- 3.
Her enthusiasm infected everyone in the room within minutes.