Infuse

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uːz

Origin

Latin infu(n)do fu(n)dere fusi fusum: to pour.

Full definition of infuse

Verb

1. (transitive) To cause to become an element of something; to insert or fill.
2. (transitive) To steep in a liquid, so as to extract the soluble constituents (usually medicinal or herbal).
• CoxeOne scruple of dried leaves is infused in ten ounces of warm water.
3. (transitive) To inspire; to inspirit or animate; to fill (with).
• ShakespeareInfuse his breast with magnanimity.
• Shakespeareinfusing him with self and vain conceit
4. (transitive) To instill as a quality.
• ShakespeareThat souls of animals infuse themselves
  Into the trunks of men.
• Jonathan SwiftWhy should he desire to have qualities infused into his son, which himself never possessed, or knew, or found the want of, in the acquisition of his wealth?
5. (intransitive) To undergo infusion.
• Let it infuse for five minutes.
6. (transitive) To make an infusion with (an ingredient); to tincture; to saturate.
7. (transitive, obsolete) To pour in, as a liquid; to pour (into or upon); to shed.
• DenhamThat strong Circean liquor cease to infuse.