Definition

A condition caused by harmful germs or bacteria that invade the body, leading to illness.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with a serious infection that required immediate treatment.

Conversation

Have you heard about the recent infection going around?

Yeah, it seems to be affecting a lot of people right now.

I hope I don’t get that kind of infection — it sounds really serious.

Me too! I'm trying to stay healthy and wash my hands more often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infection → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "facere" (meaning to make or do). The word describes the process of making something unhealthy or introducing disease into the body.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'made unhealthy' as it is introduced 'into' the body — that's what infection means.

Visually Confused Words