In-fĕc'tion, n.
n. [Fr. infection, Pr. infeccio, Sp. infeccion, It. infezione, Lat. infectio.]
Sense 1. The act or process of infecting.
There was a strict order against coming to those pits, and that was only to prevent infection. De Foe.
Sense 2. That which infects, or causes the communicated disease.
And that which was still worse, they that did thus break out spread the infection further by their wandering about with the distemper upon them. De Foe.
Sense 3. The result of infecting influence; a prevailing disease.
The danger was really very great, the infection being so very violent in London. De Foe.
Sense 4. That which taints, poisons, or corrupts, by communication from one to another; as, the infection of error or of evil example.
It was her chance to light Amidst the gross infections of those times. Daniel.
Sense 5. Contamination by illegality, as in cases of contraband goods.
Sense 6. Communication of like qualities; influence.
Mankind are gay or serious by infection. Rambler.
Sense 7. Liking or desire. [Obs.]
Her husband has a marvelous infection to the little page. Shak.
Synonyms— Contagion. — INFECTION, CONTAGION. Medical writers in Europe do not, most of them, recognize any difference between contagion and infection. In America, the distinction referred to under CONTAGION is, to a considerable extent, admitted. In general literature, this distinction is well established. We use contagion and contagious in respect to things which spread by intercourse or imitation; as, the contagious influence of example; while we apply infection and infectious to a more hidden and diffusive power; as, the infection of vice; the infectious influence of evil principles.