Infect (verb)

1. Cause (a person, animal, or plant) to become ill by introducing a parasite, bacterium, or virus into the body.
2. Contaminate (a substance) with something that causes decay or disease.
3. Spread (an idea, influence, or practice) to others.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin infectare, from in- "into" + facere "do, make".

Examples:

1. The patient was infected with a rare strain of the virus.
2. The wound became infected and needed medical attention.
3. The water supply was infected with bacteria.
4. The revolutionary ideas infected the young minds with a thirst for change.
5. The new trend quickly infected the fashion industry.