Synonyms for

Infected

Verb / ˌɪˈnfektɪd / Another word for infected — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to contaminate, pollute, or corrupt with a harmful substance or disease

Synonyms & similar words

septic antiseptic disinfect infect taint contaminated polluted corrupted affected influenced tainted spoiled ruined damaged compromised sullied soiled blemished debased vitiated defiled envenomed poisoned diseased afflicted

Synonyms by register

Formal

infested diseased pathogenic contagious

Informal

sick bugged germy gross

Literary

blighted corrupted tainted

Antonyms

clean healthy uninfected sterile pure sound untainted

Common collocations

  • infected wound
  • infected person
  • infected area
  • infected with
  • infected by
  • severely infected
  • mildly infected
  • infected tissue

Word family

noun infection
verb infect
adjective infected
adverb infectiously

Usage note

Often used in medical or biological contexts. Can also be used figuratively to describe something corrupted or negatively influenced.

Example sentences

  1. The cut on my arm became infected with bacteria.
  2. The water was infected with harmful chemicals.
  3. The virus has infected many people in the world.
  4. The disease can quickly spread and infect others.
  5. He was worried that his computer had been infected with a virus.

Quotes

  • The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. - William Arthur Ward
  • “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandela
  • “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.” - Steve Jobs

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