infection
UK: ɪnˈfekʃən | US: ɪnˈfekʃən
n. the process or state of being infected by a pathogen (e.g., bacteria, virus).
n. the transmission of a disease to a host organism.
n. a corrupting influence or harmful idea spreading among people.
The word "infection" traces back to Latin inficere ("to stain, corrupt"), combining in- (into) and facere (to make/do). The root fect (from facere) evolved to imply "acting upon" negatively, as in contaminating or influencing harmfully. The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, solidifying its modern medical and metaphorical meanings.
The wound was treated to prevent infection.
Her laughter infected the entire room with joy.
Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections.
The spread of misinformation is a social infection.
Proper hygiene reduces the risk of infection.