Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Infectious
In-fec′tious
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
infectieux
.] 1.
Having qualities that may infect; communicable or caused by infection; pestilential; epidemic;
as, an
infectious
fever; infectious
clothing; infectious
water; infectious
vices.Where the
infectious
pestilence. Shakespeare
2.
Corrupting, or tending to corrupt or contaminate; vitiating; demoralizing.
It [the court] is necessary for the polishing of manners . . . but it is
infectious
even to the best morals to live always in it. Dryden.
3.
(Law)
Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture.
Contraband articles are said to be of an
infectious
nature. Kent.
4.
Capable of being easily diffused or spread; sympathetic; readily communicated;
as,
. infectious
mirth
Syn. – See
Contagious
. Webster 1828 Edition
Infectious
INFEC'TIOUS
,Adj.
1.
Corrupting; tending to taint by communication; as infectious vices or manners.2.
Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture. Contraband articles are said to be of an infectious nature.
3.
Capable of being communicated by near approach. Grief as well as joy is infectious.