Overrun or invaded by pests, parasites, or other unwanted organisms in large numbers. Heavily populated by harmful creatures.
From Latin 'infestare,' from 'infestus' meaning hostile or dangerous. Originally referred to hostile attacks or harassment, later narrowing to describe pest invasions. The prefix 'in-' intensifies the root 'festus,' creating the sense of being under siege by unwanted invaders.
The word originally described human enemies laying siege to a city - the idea of rats or insects 'infesting' came later as a metaphorical extension! This military origin explains why we still speak of pest 'invasions' and 'extermination,' borrowing the language of warfare for household pest control.
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