infest
[ in-fest ]
/ ɪnˈfɛst /
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.
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Origin of infest
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin infestāre to assail, molest, derivative of infestus hostile
Related forms
in·fest·er, nounre·in·fest, verb (used with object)un·in·fest·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for infest
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
infestation, nouninfester, nounWord Origin for infest
C15: from Latin infestāre to molest, from infestus hostile
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine 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.
Related forms
in′fes•ta′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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