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B1 verb #7,000 most common 11 min read

infeccionar

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips infeccionar in 30 Seconds

Explanation infeccionar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'infeccionar' often, but you should recognize it. It looks like the English word 'infection'. If you see this word, think about health and being sick. You might see it on a bottle of medicine or a first aid kit. At this level, focus on the basic idea: 'infeccionar' is bad for your body. You should know that 'limpar' (to clean) is the opposite action to prevent something from 'infeccionar'. If you have a small cut, your teacher or parent might say 'Cuidado!' (Careful!) and point to the word. It's a 'danger' word for beginners. You don't need to conjugate it yet, just know that 'infeccionado' means something is 'dirty' in a medical way. Think of it as part of your 'at the doctor' or 'health' vocabulary list. It's important for safety.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'infeccionar' in simple sentences. You are learning how to describe physical sensations and health problems. You can say 'Minha ferida está infeccionada' (My wound is infected). You should understand that it is a regular verb ending in -ar. This means you can use it in the past: 'Infeccionou' (It got infected). You might use it when talking to a pharmacist to explain why you need an ointment. At this level, you should also know the noun 'infecção'. You can start to distinguish between 'estar doente' (being sick) and 'ter uma infecção' (having an infection). It's a useful word for daily life, especially if you travel and have a minor accident. Remember to use it with 'machucado' (injury) or 'corte' (cut).

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'infeccionar' to explain causes and effects. You can use it in the conditional: 'Se você não usar álcool, vai infeccionar' (If you don't use alcohol, it will get infected). You are now expected to understand the difference between 'infeccionar' and 'contaminar' (contaminate). You can use the word in more complex structures, like 'É importante evitar que a área venha a infeccionar' (It is important to prevent the area from becoming infected). You should also be able to read health advice in Portuguese and understand the warnings. This word is key for reaching intermediate fluency because it moves you away from generic words like 'ficar ruim' (to get bad) to specific medical terms. You should also recognize it in news reports about public health.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances between 'infeccionar' and 'infectar'. You know that 'infeccionar' is often used for the physical manifestation in a wound, while 'infectar' is more common for the act of a virus entering a system. You can use the word in formal contexts, such as writing a report or a formal email to an employer about a medical absence. You should be able to discuss the implications of an infection, such as 'resistência a antibióticos' (antibiotic resistance). You might also start to see the word used metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism to describe corruption or the spread of negative ideologies, though you know this is less common than the literal meaning. Your pronunciation should be clear, handling the nasal 'in-' and the 'cc' or 'c' sounds perfectly.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'infeccionar'. You can use it in academic or professional medical discussions. You understand its etymology and how it relates to other Latin-based languages. You can use it in the passive voice, the subjunctive, and all complex tenses without hesitation. You might use it to describe complex biological processes, such as 'A bactéria infeccionou o tecido epitelial, causando uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica'. You are also aware of regional differences in spelling and pronunciation between Brazil, Portugal, and Angola. You can identify when a writer is using the word creatively to imply a 'poisoning' of a social atmosphere. You can debate public health policies using this vocabulary and understand technical medical journals that use the term.

At the C2 level, 'infeccionar' is a tool you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between the most subtle synonyms and choose 'infeccionar' specifically for its phonetic weight or its specific medical connotation in a literary piece. You can use it in wordplay or complex metaphors. You understand the historical evolution of the word in the Portuguese language. You can explain the technical difference between an 'infecção' and an 'infestação' (infestation) and use the corresponding verbs perfectly. You are essentially at the level of a native healthcare professional or a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in any register, from extremely formal legal/medical documents to poetic descriptions of decay or corruption in a society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

infeccionar in 30 Seconds

Infeccionar means to infect, specifically referring to wounds or biological tissues getting contaminated with germs.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all standard Portuguese tenses.
Commonly used in healthcare, first aid, and daily hygiene contexts to warn about bacteria.
While similar to 'infectar', 'infeccionar' often highlights the physical inflammation and pus in a wound.

The Portuguese verb infeccionar is a specialized term that English speakers will recognize as a cognate of the word 'infect.' At its core, it describes the process by which a living organism, a wound, or a biological system becomes contaminated by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. While the synonym infectar is often used interchangeably in general contexts, infeccionar frequently carries a nuance related to the physical manifestation of an infection, such as a wound becoming inflamed or purulent. It is a transition from a state of cleanliness or health to a state of biological compromise.

Medical Context: In clinical settings, doctors use this word to describe the pathological state of a tissue. For example, if a surgical incision is not properly treated, it might 'infeccionar,' leading to redness and swelling.

Se você não lavar o corte, a ferida pode infeccionar rapidamente.

Translation: If you do not wash the cut, the wound may infect quickly.

Beyond the strictly biological, the word can be used metaphorically, though this is less common than with the word contaminar. One might speak of an environment being 'infected' by bad ideas or corruption, suggesting a spread that is harmful and difficult to contain. However, for a B1 learner, the primary focus should remain on hygiene, health, and medical safety. Understanding the difference between 'infeccionar' (the state of the wound) and 'infectar' (the action of the virus entering the body) is a subtle but helpful distinction in advanced Portuguese, though many native speakers treat them as synonyms in daily speech.

Biological Process: The verb follows the first conjugation (-ar), making it relatively easy for learners to conjugate in the present, past, and future tenses. It implies a progression of disease.

O médico explicou que o tecido começou a infeccionar devido à falta de assepsia.

In everyday Brazilian and Portuguese life, you will see this word on the labels of antiseptic products, in first-aid manuals, and during health consultations. It is a word that demands action; if something is 'infeccionado,' it requires treatment, antibiotics, or professional intervention. It is also common in the passive voice, such as 'está infeccionado' (it is infected), which describes the current state of an injury. Understanding this word helps learners navigate healthcare situations in Lusophone countries, ensuring they can describe symptoms accurately to a pharmacist or a nurse.

Public Health: During outbreaks or pandemics, the terminology shifts slightly toward 'infecção' (the noun) and 'infectar' (the transmission), but 'infeccionar' remains relevant for the localized effects on the population's health.

É necessário aplicar o curativo para não infeccionar a pele.

A região do piercing pode infeccionar se não for limpa diariamente.

Using infeccionar correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a transitive or intransitive verb. When used transitively, it means one thing is infecting another. When used intransitively, it describes the subject itself becoming infected. This flexibility is key to mastering the word in different contexts, from formal medical reports to casual conversations about a scratched knee.

Intransitive Usage: This is perhaps the most common way to use the word. You focus on the wound or the body part. 'A ferida infeccionou' (The wound got infected). Here, the focus is on the result rather than the cause.

Cuidado para que o machucado não venha a infeccionar depois do treino.

When constructing sentences in the past tense, you will often use the Pretérito Perfeito. For instance, 'O corte infeccionou ontem' (The cut got infected yesterday). If you are describing a state, you might use the participle form as an adjective: 'O dedo está infeccionado' (The finger is infected). Notice how the ending changes to match the gender and number of the noun: 'A gengiva está infeccionada' (The gum is infected).

Transitive Usage: In this case, an agent is doing the infecting. 'As bactérias podem infeccionar a corrente sanguínea' (Bacteria can infect the bloodstream). This is more technical and seen in scientific writing.

O uso de agulhas sujas pode infeccionar gravemente o paciente.

In the future tense, it is often used as a warning. 'Se você mexer aí, vai infeccionar' (If you touch that, it's going to get infected). This is a very common structure in colloquial speech where the 'ir + infinitive' construction is preferred over the simple future. It conveys a sense of inevitable consequence if hygiene standards are not met. In more formal writing, you might see 'infeccionará', but this is rare in spoken language.

Passive Voice: 'O paciente foi infeccionado por uma cepa resistente.' (The patient was infected by a resistant strain). This highlights the external source of the infection.

Muitos ferimentos acabam por infeccionar devido ao clima tropical úmido.

Se a garganta infeccionar, você precisará de antibióticos.

The word infeccionar resonates through various sectors of Lusophone society. Primarily, you will encounter it in the healthcare system. If you visit a 'posto de saúde' (health clinic) in Brazil or a 'centro de saúde' in Portugal, nurses will often use this term when advising patients on how to care for stitches or abrasions. It is a fundamental part of the vocabulary for anyone dealing with physical trauma, however minor.

In the Pharmacy (Farmácia): When buying antiseptic or bandages, the pharmacist might ask: 'É para evitar que a ferida venha a infeccionar?' (Is it to prevent the wound from getting infected?). This is a standard part of medical counseling.

No hospital, os enfermeiros monitoram os cortes para garantir que não vão infeccionar.

In the media, specifically in health segments of news programs like 'Jornal Nacional' or during public health campaigns, the word appears frequently. During the flu season or outbreaks of tropical diseases like Dengue (though Dengue is viral and usually described with 'infectar'), the general concept of 'infecção' and the risk of wounds 'infeccionarem' due to secondary complications are discussed. It is also common in sports journalism when a player is sidelined; you might hear that a player's injury 'infeccionou,' delaying their return to the field.

In the Kitchen and Home: Mothers and fathers frequently use this word with children. 'Lave as mãos para não infeccionar o machucado!' (Wash your hands so you don't infect the injury!). It serves as a pedagogical tool for teaching hygiene.

O documentário mostrou como a falta de água limpa pode infeccionar comunidades inteiras.

Finally, in academic and scientific circles, 'infeccionar' is used in research papers and textbooks. Biology students in Coimbra or São Paulo will study how pathogens 'infeccionam' host cells. In this context, the word is used with high precision, often accompanied by technical terms for the type of pathogen (bacterium, virus, etc.). For a learner, hearing this word in a lecture or reading it in a textbook indicates a transition into more formal, technical Portuguese, moving beyond the basics of daily survival into professional or academic fluency.

Veterinary Use: Pet owners will hear this from veterinarians. 'A pata do cachorro pode infeccionar se ele continuar lambendo.' (The dog's paw might get infected if he keeps licking it).

Mantenha o local seco para o ponto não infeccionar.

A picada de inseto começou a infeccionar por causa do coceira constante.

One of the most frequent errors for learners is the confusion between infeccionar and its close relative infectar. While they are often synonyms, 'infeccionar' is much more common when referring to a wound that becomes inflamed (the internal process of becoming purulent), whereas 'infectar' is the standard choice for the transmission of a virus or a computer virus. Using 'infeccionar' for a computer virus will sound very strange to a native speaker.

Confusion with 'Afetar': English speakers sometimes use 'infect' when they mean 'affect' (afetar). In Portuguese, 'infeccionar' is strictly biological. You wouldn't say a bad mood 'infeccionou' the meeting (you'd use 'contagiou' or 'afetou').

Errado: O vírus de computador pode infeccionar seu arquivo.
Correto: O vírus de computador pode infectar seu arquivo.

Another common mistake involves conjugation. Since it is a long word, learners sometimes trip over the 'cc' (which is now just 'c' in many modern spellings under the New Orthographic Agreement, depending on the region, but the 'cc' was historically common). In modern Brazilian Portuguese, the spelling is usually infecionar or infeccionar, but the pronunciation remains consistent. The mistake is often omitting the 'i' after the 'f' or misplacing the nasal 'n'.

Preposition Errors: Learners often struggle with which preposition to use. Generally, you infect something *with* something else. In Portuguese, this is 'infeccionar COM'. Example: 'Infeccionar com bactérias'. Using 'por' is also correct when indicating the agent.

Muitos alunos confundem 'inflamar' com 'infeccionar'. Nem toda inflamação é uma infecção!

Finally, there is the 'false friend' risk with the English word 'inflict'. They sound vaguely similar to a beginner, but 'infeccionar' has nothing to do with inflicting pain or punishment. It is strictly about pathogens. Also, ensure you do not use the word for 'staining' or 'dyeing' fabrics, even though in some ancient Latin roots 'infect' related to dyeing; in modern Portuguese, it is purely medical/biological.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'cc' or 'c' before 'i' is often pronounced clearly. Some learners swallow the 'n' in 'in-', making it sound like 'ifeccionar'. Ensure the nasal 'in' is distinct.

Não diga 'a ferida infectou' se você quiser ser mais preciso sobre o pus; diga 'a ferida infeccionou'.

Erro comum: 'Ele infeccionou a tristeza para mim'. Correto: 'Ele me contagiou com sua tristeza'.

While infeccionar is a precise term, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific nature of the contamination. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are in a hospital or just talking to a friend about a scrape.

Infectar vs. Infeccionar: As mentioned, 'infectar' is more general. It is the preferred term for viruses, pandemics, and digital viruses. 'Infeccionar' is more common for wounds and localized bacterial issues. They are 90% interchangeable in casual speech.

Você pode dizer que a ferida vai infeccionar ou que ela vai infectar; ambas estão corretas.

Another important alternative is contaminar. This word is broader and can apply to water, soil, or food. While an 'infecção' is usually a biological process inside a body, 'contaminação' is the presence of the harmful substance. You 'contaminate' a well, and then the water might 'infect' the people who drink it. 'Contagiar' is another related word, used primarily for diseases that spread from person to person, and it often has a positive metaphorical use (e.g., 'contagiar com alegria').

Septicar (Rare/Technical): In very technical medical contexts, you might hear about 'septicemia' (the noun), but the verb 'infeccionar' is still the standard way to describe the onset of such a state.

A água suja pode contaminar o rio e depois infeccionar os animais.

For a more colloquial or graphic way of saying something is infected, people might say 'está inflamado' (it is inflamed) or 'está com pus' (it has pus). While not synonyms for 'infeccionar' (which is the process), they describe the result. In formal writing, you might see 'eivar', which means to corrupt or to infect, but this is highly literary and almost never used in spoken Portuguese today. Stick to 'infeccionar' or 'infectar' for 99% of your needs.

Transmudar (Metaphorical): Rarely, 'infeccionar' is used to show a change for the worse. However, 'corromper' is a much better alternative for systems or morals.

O ferimento começou a supurar (to ooze pus), o que indica que ele conseguiu infeccionar.

A doença começou a se alastrar, conseguindo infeccionar milhares de pessoas.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the word was used for dyeing clothes. The idea was that the dye 'corrupted' or 'changed' the original color of the fabric, much like a disease changes the body.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.fe.si.o.ˈnaɾ/

US /ĩ.fe.si.o.ˈnaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: naR.

Rhymes With

apaixonar abandonar adicionar funcionar questionar pressionar mencionar direcionar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'in' as a clear English 'in' instead of a nasal vowel.
Pronouncing the 'cc' as a 'k' sound (it should be 's').
Forgetting to nasalize the 'e' before 'cc' in some dialects.
Stress placement on the penultimate syllable instead of the last.
Omitting the 'i' sound between 'c' and 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'infect'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the double 'c' or the 'cc' spelling variations.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal vowels and long syllables can be a bit of a mouthful.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

limpar ferida doente médico corpo

Learn Next

antibiótico imunidade diagnóstico sintoma tratamento

Advanced

septicemia patogenicidade virulência assepsia profilaxia

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of -ar verbs

Eu infecciono, Tu infeccionas, Ele infecciona.

Future Subjunctive for conditions

Se a ferida infeccionar, use a pomada.

Passive Voice with 'ser'

O paciente foi infeccionado pela bactéria.

Use of 'para que' + Subjunctive

Limpe para que não infeccione.

Impersonal 'se' for general rules

Infecciona-se facilmente em lugares sujos.

Examples by Level

Lave a mão para não infeccionar.

Wash your hand so it doesn't get infected.

Simple imperative + negative purpose clause.

O corte pode infeccionar.

The cut can get infected.

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive.

Está infeccionado?

Is it infected?

Present state using 'estar' + past participle.

Não deixe infeccionar.

Don't let it get infected.

Negative imperative with the verb 'deixar'.

A ferida infeccionou.

The wound got infected.

Pretérito Perfeito (simple past).

Use álcool para não infeccionar.

Use alcohol to not get infected.

Purpose clause 'para não'.

Dói quando infecciona.

It hurts when it gets infected.

Present tense describing a general fact.

Limpe bem para não infeccionar.

Clean it well so it doesn't get infected.

Adverb 'bem' modifying the verb 'limpe'.

Se você não cuidar, vai infeccionar.

If you don't take care, it will get infected.

First conditional (Se + present).

O médico disse que o dedo infeccionou.

The doctor said the finger got infected.

Indirect speech with 'disse que'.

Minha orelha infeccionou por causa do brinco.

My ear got infected because of the earring.

Causal phrase 'por causa de'.

Eu não quero que meu pé venha a infeccionar.

I don't want my foot to get infected.

Subjunctive mood after 'querer que'.

A água suja pode infeccionar o machucado.

Dirty water can infect the injury.

Transitive use of the verb.

Por que a sua ferida infeccionou?

Why did your wound get infected?

Interrogative sentence in the past.

O remédio impede de infeccionar.

The medicine prevents it from getting infected.

Verb 'impedir' followed by 'de' + infinitive.

Ele está com medo de infeccionar.

He is afraid of getting infected.

Expression 'estar com medo de'.

É provável que a ferida venha a infeccionar se não for tratada.

It is likely that the wound will become infected if it is not treated.

Subjunctive 'venha' + passive 'for tratada'.

O enfermeiro limpou o local para evitar que infeccionasse.

The nurse cleaned the site to prevent it from getting infected.

Imperfect subjunctive 'infeccionasse'.

Se o piercing infeccionar, você deve removê-lo imediatamente.

If the piercing gets infected, you must remove it immediately.

Future subjunctive 'infeccionar' in a conditional clause.

Muitas pessoas não sabem como um pequeno corte pode infeccionar.

Many people don't know how a small cut can get infected.

Indirect question structure.

A falta de higiene fez a gengiva infeccionar.

The lack of hygiene caused the gum to get infected.

Causative structure with 'fazer'.

Depois da cirurgia, a cicatriz começou a infeccionar.

After the surgery, the scar started to get infected.

Aspectual verb 'começar a' + infinitive.

Eu apliquei pomada para que não infeccionasse mais.

I applied ointment so that it wouldn't get infected anymore.

Final clause with 'para que' + subjunctive.

O gato me arranhou e eu temo que vá infeccionar.

The cat scratched me and I fear it's going to get infected.

Verb 'temer que' + periphrastic future.

A exposição a bactérias resistentes pode infeccionar até os tecidos mais profundos.

Exposure to resistant bacteria can infect even the deepest tissues.

Use of 'até' for emphasis.

Caso a ferida infeccione, o protocolo exige o uso de antibióticos de largo espectro.

Should the wound become infected, the protocol requires the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Conditional 'Caso' + present subjunctive.

A negligência hospitalar permitiu que o ferimento infeccionasse gravemente.

Hospital negligence allowed the wound to become seriously infected.

Verb 'permitir que' + subjunctive.

Embora pareça limpo, o local ainda corre o risco de infeccionar.

Although it looks clean, the site still runs the risk of getting infected.

Concessive clause with 'Embora'.

O paciente relatou que a região começou a infeccionar logo após a alta.

The patient reported that the region started to get infected right after discharge.

Compound sentence with 'relatou que'.

É fundamental desinfetar os instrumentos para não infeccionar os pacientes.

It is essential to disinfect the instruments so as not to infect the patients.

Impersonal expression 'É fundamental'.

A ferida não teria infeccionado se tivéssemos usado o antisséptico.

The wound would not have gotten infected if we had used the antiseptic.

Third conditional (Past unreal).

A umidade excessiva contribui para que as feridas venham a infeccionar mais rápido.

Excessive humidity contributes to wounds becoming infected faster.

Verb 'contribuir para que' + subjunctive.

A patogenicidade do agente permitiu que ele infeccionasse o hospedeiro em tempo recorde.

The pathogenicity of the agent allowed it to infect the host in record time.

Technical vocabulary (patogenicidade, hospedeiro).

Seria imprudente ignorar os sinais de que a incisão está prestes a infeccionar.

It would be imprudent to ignore the signs that the incision is about to get infected.

Conditional mood + 'prestes a' (about to).

O sistema imunológico debilitado facilitou que a bactéria infeccionasse outros órgãos.

The weakened immune system made it easier for the bacteria to infect other organs.

Causative meaning with 'facilitar que'.

Não obstante os cuidados, a ferida acabou por infeccionar devido a uma cepa multirresistente.

Despite the care, the wound ended up getting infected due to a multi-resistant strain.

Formal connector 'Não obstante'.

A possibilidade de a ferida infeccionar deve ser monitorada com rigor clínico.

The possibility of the wound becoming infected must be monitored with clinical rigor.

Infinitive as a noun clause subject.

Duvido que o ferimento venha a infeccionar se mantivermos a assepsia.

I doubt the wound will become infected if we maintain asepsis.

Verb of doubt + subjunctive.

A rapidez com que o local pode infeccionar surpreendeu a equipe médica.

The speed with which the site can get infected surprised the medical team.

Relative clause 'com que'.

O autor utiliza a metáfora da ferida a infeccionar para descrever a corrupção na política.

The author uses the metaphor of an infecting wound to describe corruption in politics.

Metaphorical usage in literary analysis.

A virulência exacerbada do patógeno logrou infeccionar as camadas mais profundas da derme.

The exacerbated virulence of the pathogen managed to infect the deepest layers of the dermis.

Literary verb 'lograr' (to manage/achieve).

Instaurou-se o receio de que a moléstia pudesse infeccionar toda a província.

A fear was established that the disease could infect the entire province.

Passive pronominal 'Instaurou-se'.

Caso a ferida tivesse vindo a infeccionar, as consequências teriam sido catastróficas.

Had the wound come to be infected, the consequences would have been catastrophic.

Compound conditional with 'ter vindo a'.

A assepsia precária é o vetor que permite ao agente infeccionar o organismo sem resistência.

Precarious asepsis is the vector that allows the agent to infect the organism without resistance.

Noun phrase apposition.

Subjaz a ideia de que o ambiente social pode infeccionar o caráter do indivíduo.

Underlying is the idea that the social environment can infect an individual's character.

Philosophical use of 'Subjaz' (underlies).

É imperativo que se evite que qualquer escoriação venha a infeccionar em ambientes insalubres.

It is imperative that any abrasion be prevented from becoming infected in unhealthy environments.

Double subjunctive structure.

A capacidade de o vírus infeccionar células T é o cerne da sua periculosidade.

The virus's ability to infect T cells is the core of its dangerousness.

Technical scientific syntax.

A ferida, ao infeccionar, tornou-se o epicentro de uma crise sistêmica no paciente.

The wound, upon becoming infected, became the epicenter of a systemic crisis in the patient.

Gerundial-temporal 'ao' + infinitive.

Common Collocations

ferida infeccionada

risco de infeccionar

evitar infeccionar

infeccionar a corrente sanguínea

infeccionar gravemente

infeccionar os tecidos

não deixe infeccionar

infeccionar por bactérias

infeccionar após a cirurgia

garganta infeccionada

Common Phrases

Vai infeccionar!

— A common warning given when someone sees a dirty wound.

Não mexa nessa casca, vai infeccionar!

Deixar infeccionar

— To allow a situation to get worse by neglecting hygiene.

Você não pode deixar infeccionar esse corte.

Infeccionado de pus

— A graphic description of an advanced infection.

O local estava infeccionado de pus.

Pode infeccionar

— Expressing a possibility of medical complication.

A mordida do cachorro pode infeccionar.

Infeccionar a alma

— A rare poetic expression meaning to corrupt someone's spirit.

O ódio pode infeccionar a alma humana.

Para não infeccionar

— The standard purpose phrase for using antiseptics.

Passe iodo para não infeccionar.

Acabar por infeccionar

— To end up getting infected despite some effort or time.

O ponto acabou por infeccionar.

Infeccionar de novo

— When an infection returns to the same spot.

Parece que vai infeccionar de novo.

Infeccionar a vista

— To get an eye infection (conjunctivitis).

Cuidado para não infeccionar a vista com as mãos sujas.

Infeccionar a gengiva

— Specifically referring to dental or gum infections.

O dente de siso fez a gengiva infeccionar.

Often Confused With

infeccionar vs infectar

Very similar, but 'infectar' is broader and used for viruses/computers.

infeccionar vs afetar

Means 'to affect'. Don't use 'infeccionar' for emotional impact.

infeccionar vs inflamar

Inflammation is redness/swelling; infection is the bacterial cause.

Idioms & Expressions

"Infeccionar o ambiente"

— To ruin the mood or atmosphere of a place with negativity.

A reclamação constante dele infeccionou o ambiente de trabalho.

informal/metaphorical

"Uma ferida aberta que não para de infeccionar"

— A recurring problem that keeps getting worse.

A dívida pública é uma ferida aberta que não para de infeccionar.

journalistic

"Infeccionar o pensamento"

— To fill someone's mind with bad or corrupt ideas.

As notícias falsas infeccionam o pensamento da população.

formal

"Estar com o sangue infeccionado"

— Often used colloquially for sepsis or a general state of poor health.

Ele está no hospital porque está com o sangue infeccionado.

informal

"Infeccionar a conversa"

— To bring up a toxic subject that ruins a discussion.

Não vamos infeccionar a conversa com política agora.

informal

"Infeccionar a rede"

— Sometimes used by non-tech people to mean a computer virus spreading.

O vírus pode infeccionar toda a rede da empresa.

neutral

"Infeccionar o coração"

— To become bitter or resentful.

Não deixe o rancor infeccionar seu coração.

poetic

"Cheirar a infeccionado"

— To smell like something is rotting or infected.

O curativo já estava cheirando a infeccionado.

informal

"Infeccionar a raiz"

— To corrupt the very beginning or foundation of something.

O erro de cálculo infeccionou a raiz do projeto.

formal

"Infeccionar as relações"

— To cause a breakdown in trust or friendship.

A mentira infeccionou as relações entre os sócios.

neutral

Easily Confused

infeccionar vs infestar

Sounds similar.

Infestar is for pests like rats or insects. Infeccionar is for microscopic germs.

A casa está infestada de baratas, mas minha ferida está infeccionada por bactérias.

infeccionar vs contagiar

Both relate to spreading disease.

Contagiar is person-to-person spread. Infeccionar is the state of the wound/body.

Ele me contagiou com a gripe, e agora meu pulmão pode infeccionar.

infeccionar vs poluir

Relates to dirtiness.

Poluir is for the environment (air, water). Infeccionar is for biological tissue.

O lixo polui o rio, o que pode infeccionar quem nadar lá.

infeccionar vs sujar

Dirtying leads to infection.

Sujar is just getting dirt on something. Infeccionar is a medical process.

Você sujou a ferida na terra, agora ela vai infeccionar.

infeccionar vs eivar

Synonym in formal contexts.

Eivar is literary and refers to flaws. Infeccionar is literal and medical.

O texto está eivado de erros, enquanto o corte está infeccionado.

Sentence Patterns

A ferida [verb].

A ferida infeccionou.

Pode [verb] se [condition].

Pode infeccionar se você não lavar.

É importante evitar que [verb].

É importante evitar que o corte venha a infeccionar.

Se [future subjunctive], então [consequence].

Se o local infeccionar, você precisará de antibióticos.

O risco de [verb] aumenta com [noun].

O risco de infeccionar aumenta com a falta de assepsia.

Embora [subjunctive], acabou por [verb].

Embora tenhamos limpado, a ferida acabou por infeccionar.

Caso tivesse [past participle], teria [verb].

Caso tivesse infeccionado, o médico teria percebido.

A capacidade de o agente [verb]...

A capacidade de o agente infeccionar as células é alta.

Word Family

Nouns

infecção (infection)

infecciosidade (infectiousness)

desinfecção (disinfection)

Verbs

infectar (to infect)

desinfetar (to disinfect)

contaminar (to contaminate)

Adjectives

infeccionado (infected)

infeccioso (infectious)

infecto (infected/foul)

bactéria

vírus

antisséptico

inflamação

pus

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and domestic safety contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'infeccionar' for computer viruses. → infectar
Computers get 'infectados', not 'infeccionados'. The latter implies a biological wound.
Saying 'infeccionar a felicidade'. → contagiar a felicidade
Emotions are 'contagious' (contagiar), not 'infecting' in a medical sense.
Pronouncing 'cc' as 'k'. → Pronounce it as 's'.
The 'cc' or 'c' before 'i' or 'e' in Portuguese always makes an 's' sound.
Confusing 'infeccionar' with 'infestar'. → infeccionar (for germs), infestar (for bugs).
You wouldn't say bacteria 'infest' a wound in Portuguese; they 'infeccionam' it.
Omitting the nasal sound in 'in-'. → Use a nasal 'i'.
The 'n' is not a hard consonant; it indicates that the preceding vowel is nasal.

Tips

Regular Verb Ease

Don't stress about conjugation! It follows the exact same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. Just attach the standard -ar endings to the stem 'infeccion-'.

Medical Accuracy

Use 'infeccionar' when talking to a pharmacist or doctor about a skin issue. It shows you have a specific vocabulary for health.

The Double C

In Brazil, keep the 'cc'. In Portugal, check the local preference as 'infecionar' is more common now. Both are understood everywhere.

Avoid Metaphors

Stick to biological contexts. While you can use it metaphorically, 'contaminar' or 'corromper' usually sound better for abstract ideas.

Nasal Power

The first syllable 'in' is nasal. If you say it like the English word 'in' with a hard 'n', it won't sound native. Aim for a nasal 'ee' sound.

Prevention First

You'll often hear this word in the negative: 'para não infeccionar'. This is the most common way to use it in daily life.

Listen for the 'S'

Despite the 'cc' or 'c' spelling, the sound is always an 's'. If you hear 'in-fec-si-o-nar', you know what it means.

Formal Reports

In formal writing, the passive voice 'foi infeccionado' is very professional and common in medical documentation.

Hygiene Education

Use this word to explain to children why they must wash their hands. It connects hygiene to a tangible consequence.

English Cognate

Always remember that 'infeccionar' = 'to infect'. This link will help you remember the meaning forever.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'IN' as 'Inside' and 'FECC' as 'Fecal' (bacteria). If bacteria get 'IN', they 'infeccionar' your wound.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red 'X' over a dirty wound with the word 'INFECCIONAR' written in caution-tape yellow.

Word Web

Hospital Bactéria Ferida Limpeza Dor Remédio Inflamação Curativo

Challenge

Try to use 'infeccionar' in a sentence describing what happens if you don't wash your hands after gardening.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'infectio', which comes from 'inficere'. This Latin root is a combination of 'in-' (into) and 'facere' (to make/do).

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'to dip into' or 'to dye'. In a medical sense, it evolved to mean 'to taint' or 'to corrupt'.

It is a Romance language verb, sharing its root with 'infect' in English, 'infecter' in French, and 'infectar' in Spanish.

Cultural Context

Always use a sympathetic tone when discussing someone's infection, as it implies pain and a need for care.

English speakers use 'infect' for everything. In Portuguese, remember to use 'infeccionar' specifically for those nasty red wounds.

Medical dramas like 'Sob Pressão' (Brazil) frequently use this terminology. Public health posters in Lisbon metro stations. Historical accounts of the 'Peste Negra' (Black Death) in Portuguese literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

Está começando a infeccionar?
Como evito infeccionar?
Já infeccionou uma vez.
O remédio é para não infeccionar.

First Aid at Home

Lave bem para não infeccionar.
Passe o antisséptico para não infeccionar.
Não toque com a mão suja, vai infeccionar.
Cuidado para não infeccionar o machucado.

News/Public Health

Risco de infeccionar a população.
A doença pode infeccionar milhares.
Medidas para não infeccionar os profissionais.
O vírus parou de infeccionar novos pacientes.

Piercings and Tattoos

O piercing pode infeccionar nos primeiros dias.
Limpe a tatuagem para não infeccionar.
Se infeccionar, procure um médico.
Sinais de que a orelha vai infeccionar.

Veterinary Care

A pata do cachorro pode infeccionar.
Não deixe o gato lamber para não infeccionar.
A ferida do animal infeccionou rápido.
Remédio para o gato não infeccionar.

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve algum machucado que chegou a infeccionar?"

"O que você usa na pele para não infeccionar um corte?"

"Você acha que é fácil infeccionar uma ferida no verão?"

"Como você sabe se um piercing está começando a infeccionar?"

"Você já teve medo de uma cirurgia infeccionar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você se machucou e teve que cuidar para não infeccionar.

Escreva sobre a importância da higiene nos hospitais para evitar que os pacientes venham a infeccionar.

Como a descoberta dos antibióticos mudou a forma como lidamos com feridas que costumavam infeccionar?

Pense em uma metáfora: o que mais, além de feridas, pode 'infeccionar' na nossa sociedade?

Crie um guia de primeiros socorros em português explicando como não deixar um corte infeccionar.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Embora sejam quase sinônimos, 'infectar' é mais usado para vírus e contextos gerais, enquanto 'infeccionar' é muito comum para feridas na pele que ficam com pus ou inflamadas. Na prática, você pode usar os dois, mas 'infeccionar' soa mais específico para machucados físicos.

Eu infecciono, você/ele/ela infecciona, nós infeccionamos, vocês/eles/elas infeccionam. É um verbo regular da primeira conjugação.

Não é comum. Para vírus de computador, usamos quase exclusivamente o verbo 'infectar'. Dizer 'meu computador infeccionou' soaria como se o computador tivesse uma ferida biológica.

Não exatamente. 'Inflamar' é a reação do corpo (vermelhidão, calor, inchaço). 'Infeccionar' é a presença e multiplicação de germes. Uma ferida pode estar inflamada sem estar infeccionada, mas uma infecção quase sempre causa inflamação.

Ambas as formas existem. No Brasil, 'infeccionar' com dois 'c's ainda é muito comum. Em Portugal, após o Acordo Ortográfico, a grafia 'infecionar' (sem o primeiro 'c') tornou-se o padrão.

Os antônimos mais diretos seriam 'desinfetar', 'esterilizar' ou 'limpar', que são as ações que impedem a infecção de acontecer.

Não. Para sentimentos positivos ou coisas que se espalham socialmente, usamos 'contagiar'. Exemplo: 'Ela me contagiou com sua alegria'.

É um ferimento que foi invadido por bactérias ou outros germes, resultando em dor, pus, vermelhidão e, às vezes, febre.

Você pode dizer 'infeccionar' (intransitivo) ou 'ficar infeccionado'. Exemplo: 'O corte infeccionou' ou 'O corte ficou infeccionado'.

É um verbo transitivo direto (quando você infecta algo) e também pode ser usado de forma intransitiva (quando algo simplesmente se torna infectado).