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

We stood for a while, clutching blankets and pillowcases well away from the infested ground.

From Literature

Rats "the same size as a rabbit" have infested a city street where fly-tipping is an ongoing problem, residents say.

From BBC

It was infested with rats and cockroaches, and smelt "nauseating".

From BBC

The area was once viewed as ominous, dominated by an ancient walnut tree believed to be infested with demons and marking the supposed burial place of Emperor Nero.

From Science Daily

Most people don’t pay attention to things like this, so they let themselves become infested with bad bacteria.

From Literature