infest

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Infested; p. pr. & vb. n. Infesting. ] [ L. infestare, fr. infestus disturbed, hostile, troublesome; in in, against + the root of defendere: cf. F. infester. See Defend. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

To poison vermin that infest his plants. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

These, said the genius, are envy, avarice, superstition, love, with the like cares and passions that infest human life. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

And the cares, that infest the day,
Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs,
And as silently steal away. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. infestatio: cf. F. infestation. ] The act of infesting or state of being infested; molestation; vexation; annoyance. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Free from the infestation of enemies. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, infests. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. infestivus. See In- not, and Festive. ] Having no mirth; not festive or merry; dull; cheerless; gloomy; forlorn. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Lack of festivity, cheerfulness, or mirth; dullness; cheerlessness. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]