infuse

verb

in·​fuse in-ˈfyüz How to pronounce infuse (audio)
infused; infusing

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to be permeated with something (such as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better
infuse the team with confidence
b
: introduce, insinuate
a new spirit was infused into American artAmer. Guide Series: N. Y.
2
: inspire, animate
the sense of purpose that infuses scientific research
3
: to steep in liquid (such as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles
4
: to administer or inject by infusion
stem cells were infused into the patient
infuser noun
Choose the Right Synonym for infuse

infuse, suffuse, imbue, ingrain, inoculate, leaven mean to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout.

infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.

new members infused enthusiasm into the club

suffuse implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality.

a room suffused with light

imbue implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being.

imbue students with intellectual curiosity

ingrain, used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait.

clung to ingrained habits

inoculate implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety.

an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas

leaven implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality.

a serious play leavened with comic moments

Examples of infuse in a Sentence

She has infused her followers with confidence. He has found ways to infuse new energy into his performances. She has infused confidence into her followers. His work is infused with anger. The tea should be allowed to infuse for several minutes. You should infuse the tea for several minutes.
Recent Examples on the Web Over the years Hendrick’s has added a few new expressions to its portfolio that deviate from the core gin, the latest of which—Grand Cabaret—is infused with stone fruit and sweet herbs. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Starbucks is constantly launching new drinks, from permanent menu additions like the olive oil–infused Oleato to limited-time seasonal offerings (see the latest winter menu at Starbucks), but this is the first time the company has explored adding lavender to its beverages. Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 His speech, perfectly timed and infused with heart and humor, concluded with a great line. Marianne Garvey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Those contemporaries were the first generation of Abstract Expressionists, that influential group of artists who emerged in the early 1940s and infused their art with interiority. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 The not-so-dirty blonde tonal look lets the dishwater shades shine through — allowing more time in between color appointments — but still infuses some brightened strands. Shelby Wax, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024 Consumers could buy athleisure apparel infused with CBD oil and feed their nervous pups CBD chews and snacks. Julie Creswell, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Inspired by the brand’s cult-classic Magic Cream, this for-the-body iteration is infused with Algactiv Uplift technology to tone and tighten the skin. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024 As with last year’s sublime Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the developers have infused every aspect of this game with quirky little asides and creative flair that elevate what could be an otherwise bland-looking title. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infuse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English infusen (usually in past participle enfusid, infused) "to pour in, introduce, soak," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French enfuser (in past participle enfusé) "to steep," borrowed from Latin infūsus, past participle of infundere "to pour in, instill, cause to fall or stream," from in- in- entry 2 + fundere "to pour, shed, cast, send forth, disperse" — more at found entry 5

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of infuse was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near infuse

Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infuse. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infuse

verb
in·​fuse in-ˈfyüz How to pronounce infuse (audio)
infused; infusing
1
: to put in as if by pouring
infused courage into her followers
2
: to steep without boiling
infuse tea

Medical Definition

infuse

verb
in·​fuse in-ˈfyüz How to pronounce infuse (audio)
infused; infusing

transitive verb

1
: to steep in liquid (as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles
2
: to administer or inject by infusion especially intravenously
infuse the blood with glucose
infuse a solution of lactate

intransitive verb

: to administer a solution by infusion

More from Merriam-Webster on infuse

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