INFEST
In*fest", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Infested; p. pr. & vb. n. Infesting.]
Etym: [L. infestare, fr. infestus disturbed, hostile, troublesome; in
in, against + the root of defendere: cf. F. infester. See Defend.]
Defn: To trouble greatly by numbers or by frequency of presence; to disturb; to annoy; to frequent and molest or harass; as, fleas infest dogs and cats; a sea infested with pirates. To poison vermin that infest his plants. Cowper. These, said the genius, are envy, avarice, superstition, love, with the like cares and passions that infest human life. Addison. And the cares, that infest the day, Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs, And as silently steal away. Longfellow.
INFESTATION
In`fest*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. infestatio: cf. F. infestation.]
Defn: The act of infesting or state of being infested; molestation; vexation; annoyance. Bacon. Free from the infestation of enemies. Donne.
INFESTER
In*fest"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, infests.
INFESTIVE
In*fest"ive, a. Etym: [L. infestivus. See In- not, and Festive.]
Defn: Having no mirth; not festive or merry; dull; cheerless; gloomy; forlorn. [R.]
INFESTIVITY
In`fes*tiv"i*ty, n.
Defn: Want of festivity, cheerfulness, or mirth; dullness; cheerlessness. [R.]