What does infested mean?
Infested describes something that has been occupied or overrun by insects, parasites, or another troublesome multitude. It is most often used with “with,” as in “infested with fleas,” and can refer to people, animals, buildings, clothing, food, or land. The word also has a figurative use for places overwhelmed by crowds, pests, problems, or unwelcome attention: the festival grounds were infested with visitors, for example. As a verb, infested describes an action or event in which such creatures or problems take over a person, animal, or location. Its strong association with vermin gives it an unpleasant and often urgent connotation, even when used figuratively. Infested is the past tense and past participle of infest; the related noun infestation names the condition or process.
Having or being overrun with insects, parasites, or other unwanted organisms; figuratively, overwhelmed by a troublesome multitude.
"The warehouse was infested with rodents and had to be sealed temporarily."
Commonly used with “with.” The figurative sense often conveys crowding, nuisance, or emotional overwhelm.
To overrun or occupy a person, animal, place, or thing with insects, parasites, or another unwanted multitude.
"Ticks can infest grassland and attach themselves to passing animals."
This is the past tense and past participle of infest.
An infestation turns a familiar space into a battlefield between humans and the tiny creatures that claim it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infested come from?
The word comes from Latin infestāre, meaning “to occupy” or “ravage,” which developed into English infest during the early 17th century. Its modern meaning became established through the association between infestation and insects or parasites. The adjective and past-tense form infested are later grammatical developments of the verb.
Related word forms
How infested is actually used
The adjective is especially used for places, animals, food, or bodies affected by parasites. Figurative uses, such as being infested with tourists or worries, are common but generally informal or literary.
Easily confused with infested
Infested describes an infestation by unwanted organisms, whereas invested can mean having been given money or resources.