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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Infest
To invade or overrun a place or area, especially with unpleasant or unwanted things
Definitions
- To invade or overrun a place or area, especially with unpleasant or unwanted things, such as insects, rodents, or diseases
- To be present or widespread in a place or area, especially in a way that is unwanted or unpleasant
- To contaminate or corrupt something, such as a system, organization, or environment
Etymology of Infest
The word "infest" comes from the Latin "infestare", which means "to attack" or "to harass"
The Latin word is a combination of "in" (meaning "on" or "against") and "festare" (meaning "to strike" or "to attack")
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of invading or overruning a place or area, especially with unpleasant or unwanted things
Example Uses
- The city was infested with rats and cockroaches after the flood
- The new policy has been infested with loopholes and inconsistencies
- The company's computer system was infested with viruses and malware