Definition

To cause someone or something to become infected again after they have already been infected.

Example

After recovering from the flu, she was worried she might reinfect herself by not taking precautions.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that if you don't take your medicine, you might reinfect yourself.

That's so frustrating! I really don't want to go through that again.

Yeah, it's important to finish the treatment to avoid getting reinfected.

Definitely! I'll make sure to stick to it this time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reinfect → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "infect" (from Latin "inficere", meaning to taint or stain). The word "reinfect" means to infect again or to taint once more.

Memory Tip

Think of being infected 'again' ('re-') after having been infected before — that's what reinfect means.

Visually Confused Words