imbue

[im-byoo]

verb (used with object)

imbued, imbuing 

1. to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions, etc..

   The new political leader was imbued with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

   Synonyms: fire, infect, charge

2. to saturate or impregnate with moisture, color, etc.

   Synonyms: soak, tincture, infuse, permeate

3. to imbrue.

imbue

/ ɪmˈbjuː /

verb

1. to instil or inspire (with ideals, principles, etc)

   his sermons were imbued with the spirit of the Reformation

2. rare,  to soak, esp with moisture, dye, etc

Other Word Forms

• imbuement noun
• preimbue verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbue¹

First recorded in 1545–55, imbue is from the Latin word imbuere “to wet, drench”

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbue¹

C16: from Latin imbuere to stain, accustom

Example Sentences

Ms. O’Hara has the more richly written role, and she imbues Carmen with a gentle sense of yearning.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Wever imbues every word with a subtle nefariousness, bringing a depth to the film that it so desperately needs.

Read more on Salon

Vanderbilt strives to imbue “Nuremberg” with a retro appeal that sometimes feels misplaced.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The series largely belongs to them — both actors are terrific, Shannon imbuing Garfield with a gravity leavened with kindness and humor, Macfadyen’s Guiteau, optimistically dedicated to his delusions yet always about to pop.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Both of Mr. Smith’s parents fled the Jim Crow South, met in Washington and imbued their son with ambition, purpose and tenacity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inculcate 
• ingrain 
• instill 
• leaven 
• permeate 
• pervade 
• steep 
• suffuse