infest

verb
UK: /ɪnˈfest/
US: /ɪnˈfest/

  1. To exist in large numbers in a place, often causing damage or disease.

    1. Rats infest the area near the docks so be careful when walking there.
    2. Mosquitoes infest the swamp, making it unbearable to be outside during the summer.

  2. To trouble or annoy someone persistently.

    1. Worries about the future infest his thoughts, keeping him awake at night.
    2. Doubts about her abilities infest her mind, preventing her from taking risks.

Synonyms

haunt plague beset swarm overrun
infest adjective

  1. Full of something unpleasant or unwanted.

    1. The old house was infest with mold, making it uninhabitable.
    2. The garden became infest with weeds, ruining the flowers and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "infest" in English means: To exist in large numbers in a place, often causing damage or disease., To trouble or annoy someone persistently..

The phonetic transcription of "infest" is /ɪnˈfest/ in British English and /ɪnˈfest/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "infest": haunt, plague, beset, swarm, overrun.

Example usage of "infest": "Rats infest the area near the docks so be careful when walking there.". More examples on the page.