Inform

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔː(r)m

From Middle English informen, enformen, from Old French enformer, informer ("to train, instruct, inform"), from Latin informare ("to shape, form, train, instruct, educate"), from in- ("into") + forma ("form, shape"), equivalent to - + form.

Alternative forms

• enform obsolete

Full definition of inform

Verb

1. (archaic, transitive) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
2. (transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
• SpenserFor he would learn their business secretly,
  And then inform his master hastily.
• ShakespeareI am informed thoroughly of the cause.
3. (intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
4. To act as an informer; denounce.
5. (transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
• 2013-06-07, Gary Younge, Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution, WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.
6. His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
• DrydenLet others better mould the running mass
  Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.
• PriorBreath informs this fleeting frame.
7. (obsolete, intransitive) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
8. (obsolete, transitive) To direct, guide.
9. (archaic, intransitive) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
• ShakespeareIt is the bloody business which informs
  Thus to mine eyes.

Synonyms

• (communicate knowledge to (trans.)) acquaint, apprise, notify
• (act as informer) dob, name names, peach, snitch

Derived terms

Latin informis

Adjective

1. Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

Anagrams

• formin