in·fect 
/ɪnˈfɛkt/ verb
in·fects; in·fect·ed; in·fect·ing /ɪnˈfɛkt/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to cause (someone or something) to become sick or affected by disease
▪ If you're sick you should stay home to avoid infecting other people in the office. ▪ The virus has infected many people. ▪ They were unable to prevent bacteria from infecting the wound. — often used as (be) infected ▪ He was infected by a coworker. ▪ He was infected with AIDS. 2 a : to cause (someone) to feel an emotion — usually + with ▪ She has infected everyone with her enthusiasm. [=her enthusiasm has made other people feel enthusiastic too]
b of an emotion : to spread to (other people)
▪ Her enthusiasm has infected everyone. 3 of a computer virus : to cause (a computer or computer file) to stop working as it should
▪ The virus has infected many computers. ▪ All the computers in the office were infected by/with the same virus.
▪ If you're sick you should stay home to avoid infecting other people in the office. ▪ The virus has infected many people. ▪ They were unable to prevent bacteria from infecting the wound. — often used as (be) infected ▪ He was infected by a coworker. ▪ He was infected with AIDS.
b of an emotion : to spread to (other people)
▪ Her enthusiasm has infected everyone.
▪ The virus has infected many computers. ▪ All the computers in the office were infected by/with the same virus.
