Dictionary.com

imbue

[ im-byoo ]
/ ɪmˈbyu /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: imbue / imbued / imbues / imbuement on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), im·bued, im·bu·ing.
to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions, etc.: The new political leader was imbued with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
to saturate or impregnate with moisture, color, etc.
to imbrue.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of imbue

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

OTHER WORDS FROM imbue

im·bue·ment, nounpre·im·bue, verb (used with object), pre·im·bued, pre·im·bu·ing.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH imbue

imbrue, imbue

Words nearby imbue

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use imbue in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for imbue

imbue
/ (ɪmˈbjuː) /

verb -bues, -buing or -bued (tr usually foll by with)
to instil or inspire (with ideals, principles, etc)his sermons were imbued with the spirit of the Reformation
rare to soak, esp with moisture, dye, etc

Derived forms of imbue

imbuement, noun

Word Origin for imbue

C16: from Latin imbuere to stain, accustom
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK