inform

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verb in·form \in-ˈfȯrm\

Definition of inform

transitive verb
1 obsolete : to give material form to
2a : to give character or essence to the principles which inform modern teachingb : to be the characteristic quality of : animate the compassion that informs her work
3 obsolete : guide, direct
4 obsolete : to make known
5 : to communicate knowledge to inform a prisoner of his rights
intransitive verb
1 : to impart information or knowledge
2 : to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority informed on a member of his own gang

See inform defined for English-language learners

See inform defined for kids

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 of inform from the Web

The Resource Center for Aging is available to inform, educate and empower seniors and their families who are in need of supportive services.

— Cincinnati.com, "St. Charles offers free consults for seniors," 20 July 2017
Whitmire was informed of the decision October 2016, according to the blog post.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Kermit the Frog Gets a New Voice for the First Time in 27 Years," 13 July 2017
The Times subsequently reported that Trump Jr. had been informed that the information he was promised on Clinton was part of Russian government efforts to help his father's campaign.

— jeremy diamond, CNN, "Donald Trump Jr. releases email chain on his Russian meeting," 11 July 2017
Officials said the board did not have an obligation under state law to inform anyone about the issue.

— james macpherson, The Seattle Times, "Oil pipeline developer ends private security in North Dakota," 5 July 2017
Supporters of the law say the changes only require health care providers to inform patients of all their options — a standard practice of care in the medical field.

— steve schmadeke, chicagotribune.com, "Christian crisis pregnancy centers sue Illinois over new abortion notice law," 5 July 2017
The student was immediately moved away from other students, the report said, and informed that the misconduct was considered cheating.

— lauryn schroeder, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Student caught cheating led to AP investigation at Scripps Ranch," 5 July 2017
And any luggage connected to an app can record when each feature is used, reporting that data back to the company to inform future product iterations.

— julie weed, New York Times, "Did You Pack Too Much? Your Suitcase Knows," 3 July 2017
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

— jay root, star-telegram.com, "Embattled Texas liquor agency announces third high-level departure," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inform.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inform

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

INFORM Defined for English Language Learners

inform

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verb

Definition of inform for English Language Learners

: to give information to (someone)
: to be or provide the essential quality of (something) : to be very noticeable in (something)

INFORM Defined for Kids

inform

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verb in·form \in-ˈfȯrm\

Definition of inform for Students

informed

;

informing

1 : to let a person know something I informed him of the changes.
2 : to give information so as to accuse or cause suspicion He refused to inform on his friends.