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

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web So Hayslett instead opted for plush upholstery, ambient lighting, and patterned drapes to infuse warmth into each room. Kate Mcgregor, ELLE Decor, 16 Mar. 2023 Godineaux has also taken care to infuse the choreography with traditional and contemporary styles of dance. Nacey Watson Johnson, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2023 Handwoven rugs and vibrant wallpaper infuse the rooms with personality, while pops of mustard yellow in the lighting fixtures and artwork add character. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2023 The creation of the cabinet-level position could infuse energy into Boston’s nightlife scene, which critics say pales in comparison to cities like New York and Chicago. Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Feb. 2023 Trust us, these easy projects will infuse your house with a breath of fresh country spring air. Charlyne Mattox, Country Living, 22 Feb. 2023 To test the drug’s safety, the team used a pump to continuously infuse male and female mice with it for six weeks, per Wired. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2023 The flavorings will take a little longer to infuse in the fridge, but the colder temperature will prevent any funkiness in the bottle. Asha Loupy, Bon Appétit, 15 Feb. 2023 Instead, take a little something from everywhere and infuse it into your performance. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2023 See More

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

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 30 Mar. 2023.

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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