infest

American  

[in-fest] / ɪnˈfɛst /

verb (used with object)

1. to live in or overrun to an unwanted degree or in a troublesome manner, especially as predatory animals or vermin do.

   I had a major problem with cockroaches infesting my kitchen.

   The emerald ash borer has already infested many of the local ash trees.

2. to be numerous in, as anything undesirable or troublesome.

   the cares that infest the day.

3. Archaic. to harass.

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infest British  

/ ɪnˈfɛst /

verb

1. to inhabit or overrun in dangerously or unpleasantly large numbers

2. (of parasites such as lice) to invade and live on or in (a host)

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Other Word Forms

• infestation noun
• infester noun
• reinfest verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of infest

First recorded in 1375–1425; from late Middle English, from Latin infestāre “to assail, molest,” from infestus “hostile”

Example Sentences

Rourke alleged that the floors were rotted, there was no running water in a couple of places there should have been and the place was infested with rodents.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts believe the resurgence is linked to the movement of infested animals, often transported by people who unknowingly help the pest spread.

From Science Daily

Ghosts have infested a wealthy widow’s factory and are possessing appliances, seducing her son and cozying up to the prime minister for favors.

From Los Angeles Times

The owner of the veterinary clinic arrived at work at 6:30 a.m. and found the dog, which was “extremely malnourished,” infested with fleas and missing a tooth, Spitzer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Within days the whole nursery had become infested.

From Literature