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

He didn’t just co-write this tale of two estranged brothers excavating their complicated history — he imbues it with his essence, its reason for being.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s running this month at the Heritage Square Museum, itself a location imbued with history and mystery, the site of the homes of Los Angeles as they existed a century ago.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The crowd’s alternative style was imbued with Latin flair: Latinos in black vaquero boots clicked their heels against the concrete, while lace veils flowed above their carefully teased hair.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Places – and not just Southern ones – are imbued with ideas and beliefs that give meaning and significance to the people within them.

Read more on Salon

The humanity Stamp imbued in the tragic, stammering naval vessel crewman established Stamp as a talent to watch — with a Golden Globe Award for best male newcomer to prove it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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