n. - The act or process of infecting.
n. - That which infects, or causes the communicated disease; any effluvium, miasm, or pestilential matter by which an infectious disease is caused.
n. - The state of being infected; contamination by morbific particles; the result of infecting influence; a prevailing disease; epidemic.
n. - That which taints or corrupts morally; as, the infection of vicious principles.
n. - Contamination by illegality, as in cases of contraband goods; implication.
n. - Sympathetic communication of like qualities or emotions; influence.