v.
Pronunciation: in- ' fo ̇ rm
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to give material form to
2 a : to give character or essence to <the principles which inform modern teaching> b : to be the characteristic quality of : ANIMATE <the compassion that inform s her work>
3 obsolete : GUIDE , DIRECT
4 obsolete : to make known
5 : to communicate knowledge to < inform a prisoner of his rights>
intransitive verb
1 : to impart information or knowledge
2 : to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority < inform ed on a member of his own gang>
synonyms 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>.