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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paired with shredded coconut and infused with the punchy flavors of fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and plenty of lime, this plant protein has become a new essential for me. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appétit, 1 Dec. 2024 This whimsical holiday spectacular features a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus acts. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2024 Those are the four films that really count in this conversation, because that’s what mainstream audiences and pop culture are most aware of and infused with, regarding the Joker’s big-screen appearances. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 The formulation is infused with L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infuse 

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 6 Dec. 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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