In*fect" (?), a. [L. infectus:
cf. F. infect. See Infect, v. t.]
Infected. Cf. Enfect. [Obs.] Shak.
In*fect", v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Infected; p. pr. & vb. n.
Infecting.] [L. infectus, p. p. of inficere to
put or dip into, to stain, infect; pref. in- in +
facere to make; cf. F. infecter. See Fact.]
1. To taint with morbid matter or any
pestilential or noxious substance or effluvium by which disease is
produced; as, to infect a lancet; to infect an
apartment.
2. To affect with infectious disease; to
communicate infection to; as, infected with the
plague.
Them that were left alive being infected with
this disease.
Sir T. North.
3. To communicate to or affect with, as
qualities or emotions, esp. bad qualities; to corrupt; to
contaminate; to taint by the communication of anything noxious or
pernicious. Cowper.
Infected Ston's daughters with like
heat.
Milton.
4. (Law) To contaminate with
illegality or to expose to penalty.
Syn. -- To poison; vitiate; pollute; defile.
