Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To introduce or instill a quality, feeling, or idea into someone or something: To cause something to be absorbed or to fill something with a particular essence.
   • To soak something in a liquid to extract its flavors or properties: To steep herbs, leaves, or other substances in a hot or cold liquid.
   • To introduce a substance into the body, typically intravenously: To administer a fluid, such as a medication or nutrient solution, slowly into a vein or tissue.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To undergo the process of steeping: To be soaked in a liquid so that flavors or properties are transferred.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):

  • The teacher sought to infuse her students with a passion for literature. (She aimed to instill a passion.)
  • To make the tea, infuse the leaves in hot water for three minutes. (Steep the leaves.)
  • Doctors needed to infuse the patient with antibiotics directly into the bloodstream. (Administer intravenously.)

• Verb (intransitive):

  • Allow the mixture to infuse for an hour before straining it. (Allow it to steep.)

Advanced Usage

• "to infuse something with something": To fill or permeate something with a particular quality.
  • The architect infused the modern building with traditional elements.
• "to infuse something into something": To introduce or instill one thing into another.
  • He infused his own unique style into the classic design.

Variants and Related Words

• Infusion (n): 1. The act or process of infusing. 2. A liquid extract made by steeping. 3. The slow injection of a substance into a vein or tissue.
  • The patient received an intravenous infusion of saline.
• Infuser (n): A device used for steeping tea or herbs.
  • She used a metal infuser for her loose-leaf tea.

Synonyms

• Instill: To gradually but firmly establish an idea or feeling.
• Imbue: To inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality.
• Steep: To soak in a liquid.
• Permeate: To spread throughout.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(The verb 'infuse' is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed with prepositions like 'with' or 'into'.)

Related Idioms

• "Infuse new life into": To revitalize or reinvigorate something.
  • The new manager infused new life into the struggling project team.

Verb

1. introduce into the body through a vein, for therapeutic purposes
   • Some physiologists infuses sugar solutions into the veins of animals
2. let sit in a liquid to extract a flavor or to cleanse
   • steep the blossoms in oil
   • steep the fruit in alcohol
3. undergo the process of infusion
   • the mint tea is infusing
4. fill, as with a certain quality
   • The heavy traffic tinctures the air with carbon monoxide
5. teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
   • inculcate values into the young generation