Definition of: infect

(in·fekt′) v.t.
1. To introduce pathogenic micro–organisms into, as a wound; communicate disease to, as a person, etc.
2. To contaminate, as a scalpel, with disease–bearing matter.
3. To affect or influence, as with emotion, beliefs, etc., especially harmfully; taint.
4. Law To taint with illegality; render subject to seizure or penalty. See synonyms under DEFILE, POLLUTE. [<L infectus, pp. of inficere dip into, stain <in- in + facere do, make]
—in·fect′er, in·fec′tor noun