v.
Pronunciation: in- ' fyüz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: in · fused ; in · fus · ing
Etymology: 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
Date: 1526
1 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: N.Y. >
2 : INSPIRE , ANIMATE <the sense of purpose that infuses scientific research>
3 : to steep in liquid (as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles
4 : to administer or inject by infusion <stem cells were infuse ed into the patient>
– in · fus · er noun
synonyms 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>.