infestation

[ in-fe-stey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of infesting; state of being infested.
2. a harassing or troublesome invasion:

   an infestation of ants.

Other Words From

• rein·fes·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infestation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English infestacio ( u ) n < Late Latin infestātiōn- (stem of infestātiō ). See infest, -ation

Example Sentences

The infestation cycle continues when the maggots emerge 10 days later, drop from the fruit and burrow two to three centimeters into the dirt to pupate.

From Los Angeles Times

Agricultural irrigation and power plant operations could also be significantly impeded, and if past mussel infestations are any indication, golden mussels could also severely affect boating and recreation by encrusting docks, engines and steering equipment.

From Los Angeles Times

People are being told not to ignore an itchy rash, with GPs in England reporting a spike in scabies - the highly infectious skin infestation.

From BBC

Low scores can indicate issues such as poor cleaning practices, inadequate temperature control of food or pest infestations.

From BBC

“There was a rat infestation, and I had a tree growing out of the front bay window frame,” says Maxine Sharples, one of those who bought into the scheme.

From BBC

Related Words

• contagion
• curse
• epidemic
• infection
• influenza
• invasion
• outbreak
• pandemic
• scourge