Main Entry:

¹im·plant

Pronunciation:

\im-ˈplant\

Function:

verb

Date:

15th century

transitive verb

1 a: to fix or set securely or deeply <a ruby implanted in the idol's forehead> b: to set permanently in the consciousness or habit patterns : inculcate2: to insert in living tissue (as for growth, slow release, or formation of an organic union) <subcutaneously implanted hormone pellets>intransitive verb: to undergo implantation <the failure of embryos to implant>

— im·plant·able \-ˈplan-tə-bəl\ adjective

— im·plant·er \im-ˈplan-tər\ noun

synonyms implant, inculcate, instill, inseminate, infix mean to introduce into the mind. implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught <implanted a love of reading in her students>. inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind <tried to inculcate in him high moral standards>. instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time <instill traditional values in your children>. inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation <inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology>. infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought <infixed a chronic cynicism>.