This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
infest
[ in-fest ]
/ ɪnˈfɛst /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to live in or overrun to an unwanted degree or in a troublesome manner, especially as predatory animals or vermin do: Sharks infested the coastline.
to be numerous in, as anything undesirable or troublesome: the cares that infest the day.
Archaic. to harass.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of infest
1375–1425; late Middle English <Latin infestāre to assail, molest, derivative of infestus hostile
OTHER WORDS FROM infest
in·fest·er, nounre·in·fest, verb (used with object)un·in·fest·ed, adjectiveWords nearby infest
inferno, inferoanterior, inferred, infertile, infertility, infest, infestation, infeudation, infibulate, infibulation, infidel
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use infest in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for infest
infest
/ (ɪnˈfɛst) /
verb (tr)
to inhabit or overrun in dangerously or unpleasantly large numbers
(of parasites such as lice) to invade and live on or in (a host)
Derived forms of infest
infestation, nouninfester, nounWord Origin for infest
C15: from Latin infestāre to molest, from infestus hostile
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for infest
infest
[ ĭn-fĕst′ ]
v.
To live as a parasite in or on tissues or organs or on the skin and its appendages.
To inhabit or overrun in numbers large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious.
Other words from infest
in′fes•ta′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.