inform

verb in·form \in-ˈfȯrm\

: to give information to (someone)

: to be or provide the essential quality of (something) : to be very noticeable in (something)

Full Definition of INFORM

transitive verb

obsolete : to give material form to

a : to give character or essence to <the principles which inform modern teaching>

b : to be the characteristic quality of : animate <the compassion that informs her work>

obsolete : guide, direct

obsolete : to make known

: to communicate knowledge to <inform a prisoner of his rights>

intransitive verb

: to impart information or knowledge

: to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority <informed on a member of his own gang>

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Origin of INFORM

Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INFORM

Synonyms: fink, grass (on) [British slang], squeal, rat (on), sing, snitch, split (on) [British], squeak, talk, tell (on)

Synonym Discussion of INFORM

inform, acquaint, apprise, notify mean to make one aware of something. inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences <informed us of the crisis>. acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with <acquaint yourself with the keyboard>. apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance <keep us apprised of the situation>. notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action <notified the witness when to appear>.