infestation

[in-fe-stey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of infesting; state of being infested.

2. a harassing or troublesome invasion.

   an infestation of ants.

Other Word Forms

• reinfestation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infestation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English infestacio ( u ) n < Late Latin infestātiōn- (stem of infestātiō ). See infest, -ation

Related Words

• contagion 
• curse 
• epidemic 
• infection 
• influenza 
• invasion 
• outbreak 
• pandemic 
• scourge