suffuse
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- suffusedly adverb
- suffusion noun
- suffusive adjective
- unsuffused adjective
- unsuffusive adjective
Etymology
Origin of suffuse
First recorded in 1580–90, suffuse is from the Latin word suffūsus (past participle of suffundere ). See suf-, fuse 2
Explanation
The verb suffuse means to spread and fill a space, like the way the smell of wildflowers might suffuse a meadow. Suffuse is a synonym for steep. Like tea whose flavor grows stronger the more it steeps, when you suffuse something it spreads throughout until an area is full, or even overly full. Another synonym, infuse, looks a lot like suffuse. Both words come from the Latin word fundere, which means "to pour."
Vocabulary lists containing suffuse
The Alchemist
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A Thousand Splendid Suns
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Song of Solomon
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nonsurgical options like dermal fillers or fat grafting can suffuse depressions to create a more centered appearance.
From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026
For every kilogram of matter that we can see -- from the computer on your desk to distant stars and galaxies -- there are 5 kilograms of invisible matter that suffuse our surroundings.
From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2024
Baumbach runs with their children’s antic energy and lets it suffuse other parts of his film, animating even the story’s more difficult third part with humor and affection that reflect the book’s tone.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022
Though academic and suffuse with legal references, the message from acting archivist Debra Steidel Wall was simple: Stay above the fray and stick to the mission.
From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2022
Ethos will suffuse all that follows, logos and pathos alike.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
