infection
gb/ɪnfˈɛkʃən/ us/ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
Illness from harmful microorganisms
When germs like bacteria or viruses get into the body and make you sick.
Usage pattern:
an infection in [a body part]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'infection' with 'inflammation'; inflammation is swelling and redness, but not always caused by germs.
Synonyms
contamination (Refers more generally to the presence of harmful substances or organisms, not necessarily causing illness.)
|
illness (A broader term for poor health, which can be caused by infection or other factors.)
Antonyms
immunity (The body's ability to resist or fight off infection.)
|
sterility (The state of being free from living microorganisms.)
Collocations
viral infection
|bacterial infection
|chest infection
|prevent infection
|spread of infection
Themes
health
|medicine
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The doctor prescribed antibiotics for her ear infection.
- Good handwashing can help prevent the spread of infection.
- He was hospitalized due to a severe lung infection.
- The wound became red and swollen from infection.
- Vaccines can protect against certain types of infection.
Learner examples
- I have a skin infection.
- She got an infection in her ear.
- The medicine will help fight the infection.
- Wash your hands to stop infection.
- He stayed home because of an infection.
Noun
technical
B2
action
2
Spreading of harmful microorganisms
When germs move from one person or thing to another.
Usage pattern:
infection of [someone/something] by [something]
Synonyms
transmission (A broader term for passing something from one to another; not limited to germs.)
Antonyms
disinfection (The process of removing or killing harmful microorganisms.)
Collocations
risk of infection
|source of infection
|routes of infection
Themes
health
|medicine
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Proper sterilization reduces the risk of infection during surgery.
- The infection of the herd was traced to contaminated feed.
- Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Learner examples
- The nurse works to stop infection in the hospital.
- The food was a source of infection.
- They try to stop infection between patients.
Noun
informal
C1
event
3
Spread of feeling or behavior
When a feeling or way of acting spreads quickly from one person to another.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this figurative use with actual medical meaning; context usually makes it clear.
Synonyms
contagion (Often used figuratively for rapid spread of ideas or feelings.)
Antonyms
containment (The act of stopping something from spreading.)
Collocations
infectious laughter
|spread like an infection
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|communication
Examples
- Her excitement was like an infection that spread through the whole team.
- The protest was driven by an infection of anger and hope.
- Laughter can be an emotional infection in a group setting.
Learner examples
- Her smile was like an infection in the room.
- Laughter is like an infection.
- Their happiness was like an infection.
Grammar
Dictionary form
infection
IPA
GB/ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
US/ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - fec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: infection
- Plural: infection, infections
Word family
Forms
infections
noun
Core family
infect
verb B1
infectious
adjective B2
Related words
disinfect
verb
disinfection
noun
disinfectant
noun
Negative and opposite forms
noninfectious
adjective
Advanced or less common
infectiously
adverb
Expressions
catch an infection
1/kˈæt͡ʃ ən ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Become ill from microorganisms
To get sick because germs enter your body.
Examples
- She caught an infection after swimming in the lake.
- You can catch an infection if you don’t wash your hands.
fight an infection
1/fˈaɪt ən ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Resist harmful microorganisms in body
To try to make germs in your body go away so you get better.
Examples
- Your immune system works to fight an infection.
- Antibiotics help fight an infection caused by bacteria.
resistant to infection
1/ɹɪzˈɪstənt tə ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Not easily harmed by microorganisms
Not easy for germs to make sick.
Examples
- Some plants are naturally resistant to infection.
- Healthy skin is resistant to infection.
spread of infection
1/spɹˈɛd əv ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Movement of harmful microorganisms
When germs move from one person or thing to another.
Examples
- Masks can help slow the spread of infection.
- Hospitals work to control the spread of infection.