Health / B1

in-FEKSHUN/ɪnˈfekʃn/

An infection is an illness caused by bacteria or a virus: a chest infection; prevent infection; the infection spread. A disease is often the named condition; a germ is the everyday word for the microbe. Infect is the verb; infectious means it can pass from person to person. Infected is the adjective for a wound or person. Catch / pick up an infection. Do not confuse infection with affection (fondness).

Meaning

An illness caused by bacteria or a virus.

Examples

• “The cut became red because of an infection.”
• “He was treated for a chest infection last winter.”
• “Wash your hands to reduce the risk of infection.”

Good to know

a chest / ear infection. prevent / spread infection. Verb: infect. Can pass on: infectious. Named condition: disease.

Near in meaning

disease

Topics

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