释义 |
infestation|ɪnfɛˈsteɪʃən| [ad. late L. infestātiōn-em (Tertullian), n. of action from infestāre to infest; cf. F. infestation (14th c. in Godef.).] The action of infesting, assailing, harassing, or persistently molesting; now used esp. of insects which attack plants, grain, etc. in large swarms. Also, with an and pl. An assault or attack of this kind. Also, the state or condition of being infested.
1536Bellenden Cron. Scot. (1821) II. 187 The Scottis sal perpetuallie rejose al boundis of Northumbirland, but ony infestatioun of Inglismen, in times cuming. 1563–87Foxe A. & M. (1684) I. 567/1 Wheresoever that Water is sprinkled, all vexation or infestation of the unclean Spirit should avoid. 1637R. Humfrey tr. St. Ambrose i. 37 In the time of infestation of the Arrian heresie. 1695Kennett Par. Antiq. iii. 9 The guard of our Sea-coasts from the infestation of Northern Pirats. 1751G. Lavington Enthus. Method. & Papists ii. iii. (1754) 152 The Diabolical Infestations, and surprizing Contagions..were all among the Nuns. 1851Sir F. Palgrave Norm. & Eng. I. 136 The external enemies possessed a power of infestation which could not be quelled. 1881E. A. Ormerod Injurious Insects, Prev. & Rem. (1890) 248 The infestation did much harm in young Fir woods. 1895Times 8 Oct. 2/6 The world-wide referee on entomological infestations. |