infuse

verb in·fuse \in-ˈfyüz\

: to cause (a person or thing) to be filled with something (such as a quality)

: to cause (something, such as a quality) to be added or introduced into a person or thing

: to allow something (such as tea or herbs) to stay in a liquid (such as hot water) in order to flavor the liquid

in·fusedin·fus·ing

Full Definition of INFUSE

transitive verb

a : to cause to be permeated with something (as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better <infuse the team with confidence>

b : introduce, insinuate <a new spirit was infused into American art — American Guide Series: New York>

: inspire, animate <the sense of purpose that infuses scientific research>

: to steep in liquid (as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles

: to administer or inject by infusion <stem cells were infused into the patient>

— in·fus·er noun

See infuse defined for English-language learners

See infuse defined for kids

Origin of INFUSE

Middle English, to pour in, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French infuser, from Latin infusus, past participle of infundere to pour in, from in- + fundere to pour — more at found

First Known Use: 1526

Related to INFUSE

Synonyms: endue (or indue), imbue, inculcate, ingrain (also engrain), inoculate, invest, steep, suffuse

Synonym Discussion of INFUSE

infuse, suffuse, imbue, ingrain, inoculate, leaven mean to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout. infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance <new members infused enthusiasm into the club>. suffuse implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality <a room suffused with light>. imbue implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being <imbue students with intellectual curiosity>. ingrain , used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait <clung to ingrained habits>. inoculate implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety <an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas>. leaven implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality <a serious play leavened with comic moments>.