infected

Everyday

1. Having harmful germs (bacteria, viruses or fungi) growing in it, like an infected cut that is red, swollen and sore. tree →
2. Caught an illness from germs: she was infected with flu. tree →
3. Of a computer, having a harmful program (a virus) in it. tree →
4. Filled with a feeling that spreads: infected by her laughter. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science, germs can infect a wound if it is not kept clean; signs of an infected cut include redness spreading, swelling, heat, pus and pain, and then an adult should get medical help. Washing hands and covering coughs stop germs infecting other people. Antibiotics treat infections by bacteria, not viruses. In computing, an infected computer can lose data. Phrases: "become infected", "infected with", "an infected cut/wound", "infected by".

Examples

• Keep the cut clean so it doesn't get infected. tree →
• His knee was red and swollen because it was infected. tree →
• The doctor said my ear was infected. tree →
• Mosquitoes can carry germs that infect people. tree →
• Cover your cough so others are not infected. tree →
• The computer was infected by a virus. tree →
• The whole class was infected by her giggles. tree →
• An infected tooth can be very painful. tree →

Note

Regular verb: infect, infected. Noun: infection; adjective for things that spread: infectious. "Infected" is about having the germs; "infectious" is about being able to spread them. Not every red cut is infected, but if it gets worse, tell an adult.