Infestation
/ˌɪnfɛˈsteɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being invaded or overrun by a harmful or unwanted quantity of something, especially animals or insects.
/ˌɪnfɛˈsteɪʃən/
The presence of an unwanted organism or substance in a place.
The city is battling a rat infestation in the old warehouses.
💡 Simply: Imagine a party you didn't invite—that's like an infestation. Except instead of guests, it's ants, termites, or other unwanted creatures taking over. It's a situation where something you don't want is everywhere!
👶 For kids: When lots of bugs or germs come into a place and don't leave, it's called an infestation.
More Examples
A cockroach infestation forced the restaurant to temporarily close.
The infestation of weeds ruined the garden's beauty.
How It's Used
"The house had a severe termite infestation."
"Crop losses were high due to the locust infestation."
"The patient suffered from a parasitic infestation."
The act or process of infesting, or the state of being infested.
/ˌɪnfɛˈsteɪʃən/
The act of infesting or the state of being infested.
The infestation of the city by gangs led to increased crime.
💡 Simply: It's like the act of those unwanted bugs moving in and taking over. It's not just *having* them, it's also about *how* they got there and are spreading!
👶 For kids: When something starts to fill up with something you don't want like bugs it is called an infestation.
More Examples
The company's financial woes were a result of a long term management infestation.
The infestation of the forest by a new species of beetle caused a major ecological problem.
How It's Used
"The report details the infestation of the old building with squatters."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *infestare* ('to attack, harass'), from *infestus* ('hostile'). The word entered English in the 16th century, initially referring to the act of harassing or troubling. Its meaning later evolved to encompass the presence of pests or unwanted organisms.
The word 'infestation' has been used since the 16th century, initially in a broader sense of harassment or disturbance, later narrowing its focus to unwanted organisms.
Memory tip
Think 'invasion' - an unwanted guest takes over!
Word Origin
"to attack, harass"