definitions
  • synonyms

inform

1
[ in-fawrm ]
/ ɪnˈfɔrm /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inform ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to give information; supply knowledge or enlightenment: a magazine that entertains more than it informs.

Verb Phrases

inform on, to furnish incriminating evidence about (someone) to an authority, prosecuting officer, etc.: He informed on his accomplices.

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RELATED WORDS

educate, update, apprise, brief, warn, instruct, caution, notify, advise, tell, illuminate, inspire, edify, relate, forewarn, blab, post, enlighten, endue, familiarize

Nearby words

infomania, infomaniac, infomercial, infopreneur, infopreneurial, inform, informal, informal settlement, informal vote, informality, informally

Origin of inform

1
1275–1325; Middle English informen < Latin infōrmāre to form, shape, equivalent to in- in-2 + fōrmāre to form; replacing Middle English enfourmen < Middle French enfourmer < Latin, as above
SYNONYMS FOR inform
1 apprise; notify, advise, tell.
2 acquaint.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inform ON THESAURUS.COM
Related forms

Definition for inform (2 of 2)

inform

2
[ in-fawrm ]
/ ɪnˈfɔrm /

adjective Obsolete.

without form; formless.

Origin of inform

2
1545–55; < Latin informis formless, deformed, equivalent to in- in-3 + -formis -form
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inform

British Dictionary definitions for inform (1 of 2)

inform

1
/ (ɪnˈfɔːm) /

verb

Derived Formsinformable, adjectiveinformedly (ɪnˈfɔːmɪdlɪ), adverbinformingly, adverb

Word Origin for inform

C14: from Latin informāre to give form to, describe, from formāre to form

British Dictionary definitions for inform (2 of 2)

inform

2
/ (ɪnˈfɔːm) /

adjective

archaic without shape; unformed

Word Origin for inform

C16: from Latin informis from in- 1 + forma shape
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

Word Origin and History for inform

inform

v.

early 14c., "to train or instruct in some specific subject," from Old French informer "instruct, inform, teach," and directly from Latin informare "to shape, form," figuratively "train, instruct, educate," from in- "into" (see in- (2)) + formare "to form, shape," from forma "form" (see form (n.)). Varied with enform until c.1600. Sense of "report facts or news" first recorded late 14c. Related: Informed; informing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper