as in virus
an abnormal state caused by contact with harmful organisms (such as bacteria or viruses)
There is a viral infection spreading among the schoolchildren.
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Recent Examples of infection
Case numbers seesawed in the following years before reaching an all-time low in 2021, when Pakistan recorded only one infection
Although cases have fluctuated in the past, experts say last year's increase was particularly alarming.
—
Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Beyond being amused, I was struck by the morbid salience of a children’s game that mimics infection at a time when vaccine skepticism is on the rise and an outbreak of a non-pretend disease, measles, is threatening the lives of children in the Southwest.
—Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Before the anthrax infection, Virunga National Park had already seen a significant decline in its population.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Beyond being amused, I was struck by the morbid salience of a children’s game that mimics infection at a time when vaccine skepticism is on the rise and an outbreak of a non-pretend disease, measles, is threatening the lives of children in the Southwest.
—Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Before the anthrax infection, Virunga National Park had already seen a significant decline in its population.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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