infect

To invade and proliferate in, often resulting in disease. Used of microorganisms or other infectious agents.

To cause the invasion of (a cell, for example) with a microorganism or other infectious agent.

To transmit a pathogen or disease to.

To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent.

To become transmitted to and copied on (a hard drive, for example). Used of a virus or other harmful software.