inform

verb

in·​form in-ˈfȯrm 

informed; informing; informs

transitive verb

1

: to communicate knowledge to

The prisoner was informed of his rights.

2

a

: to give character or essence to

the principles which inform modern teaching

b

: to be the characteristic quality of : animate

the compassion that informs her work

3

obsolete : to give material form to

4

obsolete : guide, direct

5

obsolete : to make known

intransitive verb

1

: to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority

informed on a member of his own gang

2

: to impart information or knowledge

Synonyms of inform

• talk
• tell (on)

Choose the Right Synonym for inform

inform, acquaint, apprise, notify mean to make one aware of something.

inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences.

informed us of the crisis

acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with.

acquaint yourself with the keyboard

apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance.

keep us apprised of the situation

notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action.

notified the witness when to appear

Examples of inform in a Sentence

The book will entertain and inform you.

The arresting officer failed to inform the suspect of his rights.

He failed to inform the suspect that he had the right to remain silent.

We haven't yet been informed of her decision.

Frequent reports from the battlefield kept the general informed about how the attack was progressing.

The book will both entertain and inform.

His Catholic upbringing informs all his writing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shortly after, another child ran in to inform them of the shooting. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

But there's a real difference between staying informed and using analysis as a hiding place because acting on something feels harder than thinking about it. — Laurie Arron, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The three talked about their backgrounds and how that will inform their time in Congress, if elected. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

These large frontier models already are used to screen job applicants, inform medical decisions, and shape what millions read and believe. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Phrases Containing inform

• inform on/against

Rhymes for inform

• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform
• planform
• platform
• preform
• rainstorm

Kids Definition

inform

verb

in·​form in-ˈfȯ(ə)rm 

1

: to let a person know something : tell

2

: to give information so as to accuse or cause suspicion

inform against them to the police