v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by of, about, on, or that, how + clause) tell (informed them of their rights; informed us that the train was late). 2 intr. (usu. foll. by against, on) make an accusation. 3 tr. (usu. foll. by with) literary inspire or imbue (a person, heart, or thing) with a feeling, principle, quality, etc. 4 tr. impart its quality to; permeate. informant n.
[ ME f. OF enfo(u)rmer f. L informare give shape to, fashion, describe (as IN-(2), forma form) ]