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Infection Definition, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：pathogen invasion (infection)
infection
/ɪnˈfekʃən/
n.
The process or state of germs like bacteria or viruses entering your body, growing there, and making you sick.
pathogen invasion
➕
/ˈpæθədʒən ɪnˈveɪʒən/
n.
The act or process by which harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, enter a host organism and multiply, leading to illness or disease.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'inficere' (in- 'into' + facere 'to do'), meaning 'to dip in, infect.' Suffix -ion indicates process.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'in' + 'effect' – germs are 'in effect' causing harm inside you.
📖 Example
To prevent infection, it's important to clean a cut with soap and water and cover it with a bandage.
To prevent infection, it's important to clean a cut with soap and water and cover it with a bandage.
🔗 Collocations
infection control – Measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
bacterial infection – An infection caused by harmful bacteria.
risk of infection – The likelihood of developing an infection after exposure to pathogens.
🔄 Synonyms
contamination (n.) – The presence of unwanted or harmful substances that cause impurity.
illness (n.) – A state of poor health caused by disease.
disease (n.) – A specific disorder or malfunction of the body that produces signs and symptoms.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
infectious (adj.) – Capable of causing infection; transmissible.
infected (adj.) – Containing or affected by pathogens.
infect (v.) – To cause an infection in a person, animal, or plant.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally used in dyeing (to dip into a dye). By the 14th century, it gained the sense of 'to contaminate morally,' and later medical use in the 16th century for disease transmission.
Meaning 2：contagious disease (infection)
infection
/ɪnˈfekʃən/
n.
A disease that is caused by germs and can be spread from one person or animal to another.
contagious disease
➕
/kənˈteɪdʒəs dɪˈziːz/
n.
A specific illness caused by pathogenic microorganisms that can be transmitted from one individual to another.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious infections like measles.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious infections like measles.
🔗 Collocations
viral infection – An infection caused by a virus.
respiratory infection – An infection affecting the airways and lungs.
spread infection – To transmit a disease from one host to another.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
infectious (adj.) – Capable of spreading infection.
infected (adj.) – Affected by a pathogen.
infect (v.) – To transmit a disease to someone.
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