ingrain

American  

[in-greyn, in-greyn] / ɪnˈgreɪn, ˈɪnˌgreɪn /

Also engrain

verb (used with object)

1. to implant or fix deeply and firmly, as in the nature or mind.

   Synonyms:

   imbue, inculcate, infuse

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adjective

1. ingrained; firmly fixed.

2. (of fiber or yarn) dyed in a raw state, before being woven or knitted.

3. made of fiber or yarn so dyed.

   ingrain fabric.

4. (of carpets) made of ingrain yarn and so woven as to show a different pattern on each side; reversible.

noun

1. yarn, wool, etc., dyed before manufacture.

2. an ingrain carpet.

ingrain British  

verb

1. to impress deeply on the mind or nature; instil

2. archaic to dye into the fibre of (a fabric)

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adjective

1. variants of ingrained

2. (of woven or knitted articles, esp rugs and carpets) made of dyed yarn or of fibre that is dyed before being spun into yarn

noun

1. 1. a carpet made from ingrained yarn

   2. such yarn

Etymology

Origin of ingrain

First recorded in 1760–70; originally phrase (dyed) in grain (i.e., with kermes)

Example Sentences

The images of Riley standing on the sideline looking stylish in Armani suits, his slicked-back hair seemingly perfect, are ingrained in the minds of basketball fans.

From Los Angeles Times

A vicious cycle has become ingrained - a deprived area to which poor people are sent, or find their way to through circumstance, rather than choice.

From BBC

In compulsive behaviors such as repeated handwashing or playing poker machines, the prevailing theory has been that these actions become deeply ingrained habits.

From Science Daily

Researchers believe that, under medical supervision, these substances can temporarily shift brain activity in ways that encourage the recall of positive memories and weaken deeply ingrained negative thought patterns.

From Science Daily

That means contending with German society’s deeply ingrained pacificism, a legacy of ruinous wars and the horrors of the Holocaust.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• instill