Infested vs. Infected: Understanding the Key Differences

Infested and infected are often confused but have distinct meanings.

Infested

Overrun or filled with pests (insects, rodents, animals). Examples: house infested with termites, garden with weeds, computer with viruses.

Infected

Affected or contaminated with disease/harmful agent (bacteria, viruses, fungi). Examples: person infected with flu, wound with bacteria, plant with fungus.

FeatureInfestedInfected
MeaningOverrun with pestsContaminated with disease/agent
ExampleHouse infested with termitesPerson infected with flu

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