infuse

[in-fyooz]

verb (used with object)

infused, infusing 

1. to introduce, as if by pouring; cause to penetrate; instill (usually followed byinto ).

   The energetic new principal infused new life into the school.

   Synonyms: inculcate, ingrain

2. to imbue or inspire (usually followed bywith ).

   The new coach infused the team with enthusiasm.

3. to steep or soak (leaves, bark, roots, etc.) in a liquid so as to extract the soluble properties or ingredients.

4. Obsolete.,  to pour in.

verb (used without object)

infused, infusing 

1. to undergo infusion; become infused.

   Leave the solution to infuse overnight.

infuse

/ ɪnˈfjuːz /

verb

1. to instil or inculcate

2. to inspire; emotionally charge

3. to soak or be soaked in order to extract flavour or other properties

4. rare,  (foll by into) to pour

Other Word Forms

• infuser noun
• reinfuse verb (used with object)
• superinfuse verb (used with object)
• uninfused adjective
• uninfusing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infuse¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin infūsus, past participle of infundere “to pour into”; in- ², fuse ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of infuse¹

C15: from Latin infundere to pour into

Example Sentences

Since her birth, Fonda’s life has been infused by political activism.

From Los Angeles Times

This is infused deep into the brain using real-time MRI scanning to guide a microcatheter to two brain regions - the caudate nucleus and the putamen.

From BBC

But when it comes to cooking with tonka beans, the most common technique is to infuse them in liquid, namely milk, cream, custard or alcohol.

From Salon

In the LP, which dropped on Valentine’s Day, he infused corridos with Chicano rap in the swaggering title track and embraced reggaeton in the playful “Loco.”

From Los Angeles Times

In early-career interviews, it’s clear Burrell was already drawn to a style of teaching that was theatrical, precise, and infused with joy; the kind of instruction that makes you lean in, listen, and try again.

From Salon

Related Words

• animate 
• imbue 
• impart 
• impregnate 
• inculcate 
• inspire 
• instill 
• intersperse 
• invest 
• leaven 
• permeate 
• pervade 
• saturate 
• steep 
• suffuse