Meaning & use

infection

noun·Everyday

The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, often causing disease.

See it in a sentence

The untreated cut developed a bacterial infection that required a course of antibiotics.

Doctors isolated the patient to prevent the infection from spreading to others.

A note on using this word

Infection specifically involves pathogens like bacteria or viruses, distinct from inflammation, which is the body's response and can occur without infection.

Words with a similar meaning

contaminationcontagion

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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