infestationn.
/ɪnfɛˈsteɪʃən/ 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 plural. An assault or attack of this kind. Also, the state or condition of being infested.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > [noun] > haunting with hostile intent
infestance1490
infestationc1540
infesting1676
infestment1819
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being harassed > [noun] > harassment
baiting1303
cumbrance1377
persecutiona1382
pursuita1387
aggrievancea1400
vexing?a1425
molestation1435
stroublance1439
inquietation1461
distrouble1483
infestance1490
encumberment1509
molesting1523
vexationa1525
inquieting1527
inquietance1531
molestie1532
infestationc1540
moiling1565
plaguing1566
pesterment1593
commacerating1599
molestance1642
harass1667
harassing1689
harassment1753
aggrievement1778
badgering1785
pesteration1802
bedevilment1844
worrying1848
tail-twisting1887
bloodhounding1891
aggravation1902
static1923
crap1935
hassle1969
monstering1979
society > armed hostility > attack > invasion > [noun] > persistent harrying or infestation
infestance1490
infestationc1540
infesting1676
infestment1819
attrition1890
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > [noun] > haunting with hostile intent > instance of
infestation1751
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. x. xx. f. 151/2 The Scottis sal perpetuallie reiose al boundis of Northumbirland but ony infestatioun of Inglismen in tymes cuming.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 593/2 Whersoeuer that water is sprinkled, al vexation or infestation of the vnclean spirit, shoulde auoyde.
1637 R. Humfrey tr. St. Ambrose Christian Offices i. 37 In the time of infestation of the Arrian heresie.
1695 W. Kennett Parochial Antiq. iii. 9 The guard of our Sea-coasts from the infestation of Northern Pirats.
1751 G. Lavington Enthusiasm Methodists & Papists: Pt. III 196 The Diabolical Infestations, and surprizing Contagions..were all among the Nuns.
1851 F. Palgrave Hist. Normandy & Eng. I. 136 The external enemies possessed a power of infestation which could not be quelled.
1881 E. A. Ormerod Man. Injurious Insects (1890) 248 The infestation did much harm in young Fir woods.
1895 Times 8 Oct. 2/6 The world-wide referee on entomological infestations.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online June 2018).
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n.c1540