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 officials are working to eliminate the infestation by applying a small patch of fruit fly attractant mixed with a very small dose of an organic pesticide, Spinosad, about 8 to 10 feet off the ground on street trees, power poles, street lights and similar surfaces.

From Los Angeles Times

After finding the golden mussels in O’Neill Forebay, state workers have begun surveys to determine the extent of the infestation in the State Water Project system, including the California Aqueduct, which transports water pumped from the Delta to cities and farmlands.

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

When the BBC visited, we spotted evidence of a rodent infestation in the form of a trap, indicating the suspected presence of rats or mice.

From BBC

Related Words

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