inject

verb

in·​ject in-ˈjekt 

injected; injecting; injects

transitive verb

1

a

: to introduce into something forcefully

inject fuel into an engine

b

: to force a fluid into (as for medical purposes)

inject a drug into the bloodstream

2

: to introduce as an element or factor in or into some situation or subject

condemning any attempt to inject religious bigotry into the campaign

—Current Biography

injectable

in-ˈjek-tə-bəl 

adjective or noun

injector

in-ˈjek-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• edge in
• fit (in or into)
• insert
• insinuate
• intercalate
• interject
• interpolate
• interpose
• intersperse
• introduce
• sandwich (in or between)
• work in

Examples of inject in a Sentence

She told a few jokes to inject a little humor into her speech.

We need to inject some life into this party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Coined as an out-of-the-ordinary series, the show will be jam-packed with celebrity guests, which will undoubtedly inject some energy into it. —Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

Woodford was aware, though, of some execution workers who may have believed people of color might have been more difficult to inject with the lethal injection drugs, a common misconception. —Chiara Eisner, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024

When it’s injected into the skin, patients may experience swelling, bruising and tenderness at the site of injection, and occasional lumps, per WebMD. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024

Piercing the wife’s skin and injecting an anticoagulant into her blood. —Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

The strategy injected enough doubt in the minds of the majority African-American jury to tilt the result Simpson’s way. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

With them, a fresh energy has been injected into a city better known for old-school haunts like the cocktail institution Bar Basso and the four-decade-old cafe Fioraio Bianchi. —Laura May Todd, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Shiny jet-black walls inject a dose of drama into the guest bedroom, and the guest bath off the kitchen includes a laundry closet, so there’s no need for anyone to schlep to the building’s common laundry room. —Mark David, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Witnesses sit in dark rooms with curtains drawn until corrections officers open them seconds before the drug is injected. —CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin injectus, past participle of inicere, from in- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

inject

verb

in·​ject in-ˈjekt 

1

a

: to throw, drive, or force into something

inject fuel into an engine

b

: to force a fluid into (a part of the body) especially for medical reasons

2

: to introduce as an additional element

injected humor into her speech

injectable

-ˈjek-tə-bəl 

adjective

injector

-ˈjek-tər 

noun

Medical Definition

inject

transitive verb

in·​ject in-ˈjekt 

1

: to force a fluid into (a vessel, cavity, or tissue) for preserving, hardening, or coloring structures

2

: to introduce (as by injection or gravity flow) a fluid into (a living body) especially for the purpose of restoring fluid balance, treating nutritional deficiencies or disease, or relieving pain

also : to treat (an individual) with injections