infest Meaning & Definition
What Does Infest Mean?
Infest is used as a verb meaning To inhabit a place in unpleasantly large numbers; to plague, harass. It can also mean To invade a host plant or animal. As an adjective, it means Mischievous; hurtful; harassing. As a noun, it means Hostility.
Quick Facts About Infest
| Part of speech | verb, adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɪnˈfɛst/ |
| Synonyms | overrun, beride and plague |
| Comparative / superlative | more infest, most infest |
| Verb forms | infests, infesting, infested |
Infest Definition (Verb)
- To inhabit a place in unpleasantly large numbers; to plague, harass.
Insects are infesting my basement!
- To invade a host plant or animal.
Infest as an Adjective
- Mischievous; hurtful; harassing.
Infest as a Noun
- Hostility.
Verb
- (of a parasite) To invade a host plant or animal.
Synonyms of Infest
Infest synonyms and antonyms →Infest in a Sentence
Insects are infesting my basement!
Word Forms & Grammar
infest (third-person singular simple present infests, present participle infesting, simple past and past participle infested)
infest (comparative more infest, superlative most infest)
infest (uncountable)
Words That Rhyme With Infest
Origin of Infest
From Middle English infesten, from Old French infester (“to infest”), from Latin īnfestō (“assail, molest”, verb), from īnfestus (“hostile”), of uncertain origin.
Common Questions About Infest
Is infest a verb or an adjective?
Infest is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as an adjective and a noun.
What is another word for infest?
Words with a similar meaning to infest include overrun, beride and plague. See the full list of infest synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of infest?
The past tense of infest is infested. The present participle is infesting.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of infest?
The comparative form is more infest and the superlative form is most infest.