An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To affect, cause infection, or contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.

Etymology (EN): M.E. infecten, from L. infectus, p.p. of inficere “to immerse in dye, discolor, taint, poison,” from equivalent to → in- + → -fac, combining form of facere “to do, make,” → fact, + -tus p.p. suffix; from PIE root *dhe- “to set, put.”

Etymology (PE): Fažidan, infinitive from faž “dirt, filth, pus;” related word faže, fažnâk, fažgen, fažegen, fažgin, fažqand “filthy, dirty;” of unknown origin. It may be related to Proto-Ir. root *xard- “to defecate,” with offshoots xard “muddy place,” xarra “mud,” (+ *pati-) payxâl “excrement.”