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Etymology
Origin of infestation
1375–1425; late Middle English infestacio ( u ) n < Late Latin infestātiōn- (stem of infestātiō ). See infest, -ation
Explanation
An infestation is an invasion of insects on a place like a house or an attack by insects on a plant. If you're scared of bugs, you're not going to like learning about an infestation, which is a huge amount of insects going where they're not supposed to be. If a house is full of cockroaches or other bugs, that's an infestation. One or two bugs doesn't count: an infestation means lots of bugs are invading, and it's a huge problem. Also, when plants are attacked by lots of swarming insects, that's called an infestation or plague.
Vocabulary lists containing infestation
The Lemonade War
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 19–March 25, 2022
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 19–February 25, 2022
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The latest infestation is on Costco-sold desert willows, a small tree or shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in pink, lavender, and white.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
Shops surrounding affected areas in Llanelli have run out of fly spray with locals saying they believe the infestation is linked to a nearby metal recycling plant.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
The Texas Animal Health Commission also asks that cattlemen closely monitor wounds, reduce biting pests like flies and ticks whenever possible, and abide by infestation quarantines drawn by state authorities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
First of all, the rancher has eyes on their animal, and if they see that the animal has an infestation, they send it to a vet.
From Slate ● Jun. 11, 2026
Thomas sat frozen in his chair, a sickness growing in his stomach like an infestation.
From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner
Worse, the “don’t touch it” mentality allowed forest overgrowth, bug infestations and fuel buildup that have fed cataclysmic fires—with all the attendant consequences for habitat, resources and scenery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
Tick populations rely on deer, dogs, mice, and even birds to survive, and pets are often on the front lines of tick infestations.
From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026
Bass acknowledged foul odors and pest infestations continue to plague residents, and noted she was most concerned for Los Angeles students returning to school next week.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
Currently, dog and cat owners are frequently advised to use preventative spot-on treatments every month to avoid parasite infestations.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
Soil samples showed heavy infestations by tiny nematode worms.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
