to infect
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to infect
To transmit pathogens such as viruses or bacteria to an organism so that it becomes ill. Usually used reflexively: sich infizieren (to become infected).
Er hat sich im Urlaub mit dem Grippevirus infiziert.
He became infected with the flu virus while on vacation.
to infect
In the field of computer technology: to infect a computer or network with malicious software (a virus).
Sein Computer wurde durch das Öffnen eines E-Mail-Anhangs mit einem Trojaner infiziert.
His computer was infected with a Trojan by opening an email attachment.
to infect someone with something
In a figurative sense: to pass on strong enthusiasm, an idea, or a passion to another person.
Mit seiner Leidenschaft für das Segeln hat er die ganze Familie infiziert.
With his passion for sailing, he infected the whole family.
The verb 'infizieren' (to infect) is closely related to the noun 'die Infektion' (infection). Both words come from Latin and are often used in medical or technical contexts.
Eine Infektion mit diesem Virus ist sehr selten.
An infection with this virus is very rare.
In all meanings, 'infizieren' (to infect) is used with the preposition 'mit' (with): you infect someone or something 'mit' a disease, 'mit' a computer virus, or 'mit' an idea.
Er hat sich beim Wandern mit Borreliose infiziert.
He became infected with Lyme disease while hiking.
In the medical meaning, the verb is very often used reflexively: 'sich infizieren' (to become infected). This emphasizes that the person gets the disease.
Was kann ich tun, um mich nicht zu infizieren?
What can I do to avoid becoming infected?
In the context of computer technology, the passive is often used to describe what happened to the device. The subject is then the computer or the system.
Alle Computer im Netzwerk wurden mit der Schadsoftware infiziert.
All computers in the network were infected with the malware.
to infest / overcome
Infizieren refers to transmitting pathogens to an organism and focuses on the process of infection. Befallen, on the other hand, describes a disease, pest, or parasite spreading over an affected living being and damaging it.
Das Virus infizierte mehrere Personen während der Feier.
The virus infected several people during the party.
Das Virus befiel mehrere Personen und schädigte ihre Atemwege.
The virus afflicted several people, damaging their airways.
