a. [ Cf. F. infectieux. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Having qualities that may infect; communicable or caused by infection; pestilential; epidemic; as, an infectious fever; infectious clothing; infectious water; infectious vices. [ 1913 Webster ] Where the infectious pestilence. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Corrupting, or tending to corrupt or contaminate; vitiating; demoralizing. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Law) Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture. [ 1913 Webster ] Contraband articles are said to be of an infectious nature. Kent. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Capable of being easily diffused or spread; sympathetic; readily communicated; as, infectious mirth. [ 1913 Webster ] The laughter was so genuine as to be infectious. W. Black. Syn. -- See Contagious. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
